JAMMU: Newly established Jambu Zoo at Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu city witnessed the arrival and addition of some more wild animals including majestic big cats and flightless birds in the past few months.
The Jambu Zoo proudly welcomed Tiger and Tigress from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Lion and Lioness from Gujarat, which would add a new dimension to diverse wildlife population. Besides these majestic wild animals, recent additions have been flightless birds Emu in a separate enclosures.
Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta paid a visit to Jambu Zoo Nagrota on November 21, 2023, witnessing the grand arrival of majestic big cats.
During his comprehensive tour of the facility, Dr Mehta actively inquired about the care and facilities provided for the animals, underlining the importance of ensuring their well-being. Expressing optimism, he stated, “I hope that Jambu Zoo will soon be recognized among the best zoos in the country.”
Jammu, experiencing significant on-ground changes and rapid development, sees Jambu Zoo as a key attraction, Dr Mehta said. He, while assessing the situation, identified the opportunity to boost visitor numbers. He emphasized the need to increase awareness among school children and nature enthusiasts about the unique features and behavior of the zoo’s diverse inhabitants.
The Chief Secretary said that Jambu Zoo looks forward to a future where it not only will stand as a symbol of wildlife conservation but also captivate the hearts of visitors through its uniqueness.
Dr Mehta highlighted the distinct features and prime location of the zoo. The visitors coming to the Jammu city and Katra will play a pivotal role in increasing footfall.
During his visit, he was accompanied by Principal Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment, Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wild Life Warden, Zoo Manager, and other relevant departmental officers.
Jambu Zoo is a new facility for housing big cats and other wild animals, native to the flora and fauna of Jammu and Kashmir. It has been relocated to a vast area from the Manda Zoo and wildlife sanctuary that was set up about three decades back at the edge of Jammu city where many species of deers, bears, leopards, cats and birds.
The new enclosure at Nagrota also boasts of vast area spread over hundreds of acres close to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, about 10 kilometers from Jammu city. This area was selected during the PDP-BJP government seven years back for attracting, educating and creating awareness about wildlife among the local residents and tourists and pilgrims visiting J&K throughout the year.
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