Mysuru Zoo

Officially the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru Zoo lies in the middle of the city and covers about 157 acres. Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar opened it in 1892 for recreation, learning and research, and it is counted among the oldest and best-run zoos in India. Because it stood near Mysore Palace, it was first known as the Palace Zoo.

Starting on roughly 10 acres, the zoo grew under later Wadiyar rulers. The Department of Parks and Gardens took charge in 1909, and in 1948 control passed to the Mysore Zoo Authority. Roomy, naturalistic enclosures hold big cats, elephants, deer, birds from parrots to ostriches, and reptiles such as snakes and crocodiles, and the zoo joins breeding programmes for endangered species. Local lore recalls a white peacock said to bring luck.