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Maharajbagh zoo is the central zoo of Nagpur, India. The zoo is located
in the heart of the city and has been built on the garden of the Bhonsle
and Maratha rulers of the city. The zoo comes under the Central Zoo
Authority (CZA) of India and is maintained by the Panjabrao Deshmukh
Krishi Vidyapeeth(PKV) of Nagpur.
The zoo
had come under scrutiny in 2006 for possible closure due to issues
concerning animal healthcare but was cleared of all objections raised by
CZA in 2007. The Government of Maharashtra has approved a new safari
park of international standards next to Gorewada Lake in the city.
Animals from Maharajbagh zoo would be moved to this new animal park but
the older zoo will remain open for new animals. |
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The Zoo
The zoo is home to leopards, lion, tiger, peacock and other animals. Of
the famous attractions in the zoo - a pair of leopards – Julie and Gopal
died of old age in 2006. The pair’s little cub is still in the zoo.
Closure Notice and Later
Recognition
Maharajbagh zoo is one of the smaller zoos in India and has consistently
faced a shortage of funds for expansion and maintenance. In 2006, the
Ministry of Environment and Forests (India) ordered the Maharashtra
government to close smaller zoos in the state if they did not comply
with the 1998 National Zoo policy. These orders applied to Nagpur’s zoo
as it lacked open enclosures for its animals.
Among the
51 objections raised by CZA were that lack of a wall along the nearby
open nullah, or water channel, could cause infections among the animals.
INR 1 lacs from Nagpur Municipal Corporation helped build a wall and
open enclosures and the zoo was cleared of notice.
Sources: Wikipedia
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