Welcome to Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in the scenic eastern ghats with its natural settings. The zoo is flanked by hills on either side and the Bay of Bengal on the east and attracts many visitors from all over the country.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park was declared open to the public on the 19^th  of May, 1977. The park extends over an area of 635 acres, and is the premier visiting spot for Visakha citizens. The scenic rugged terrain provides a natural setting to animals and birds in their large nature simulated enclosures. The zoological park can be compared with some of the best zoos in the world, though it is still in the process of development.

This modern zoological park is established for fulfilling the following objectives.

1. Conservation of critically endangered fauna with special attention on the endemic fauna of the eastern ghats.

2. To propagate the values of wildlife and its conservation through education and interpretation aimed at a wide public appreciation. 
3. Wildlife research for its conservation and management.

ANIMAL COLLECTION :

Nearly eighty species numbering eight hundred animals are present in the zoo. The well planned layout of the zoo  has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and birds.

The primates comprise various monkeys - the common Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Bonnet Monkey and also includes certain other exotic fauna like Mandrills, Olive Baboons and Sacred Baboons.

The carnivore section contains Panthers, Tigers, Lions, Pumas and Jaguars and lesser carnivores, like Wolves, Jackals, Wild dogs, Hyenas, etc.,

The Himalayan Black bear and the Sloth bear in the bear complex are housed in large moated enclosures.

The hippopotamus is a special attraction to the zoo. The crocodile complex has all the three Indian crocodile species. The reptile section has Pythons, Snakes, Land Tortoises, Terrapins, Water Monitor Lizards, Monitor Lizards etc. Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Barking Deer and Thamin Deer are the collection in Herbivores section.

A varied collection of birds from the eastern ghats in the large walk-through aviaries is a special attraction in the zoo. Grey Pelicans, Rosy Pelicans, Pied Horn bills, Painted Storks, Peacocks, Ducks, other ground birds and little beautiful love birds, Budgerigars, and Cockateels form the bird collection in the zoo.

FUTURE PLANS :

Our future plans include the construction of a nocturnal animal house, reptile house enclosures for Small Mammals, Lion Tailed Macaque, Deer etc.,

It is also proposed to setup a Marine Land Complex on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in an area of hundred acres adjoining the zoo for the captive breeding of endangered marine fauna of the Bay of Bengal like Dolphins, Dugongs, Sea Turtles etc.

APPEAL TO VISITORS

1. Please keep the park clean. Use dust bins.

2. Please walk on footpaths. Keep the lawns green.

3. Please don't feed the animals. It may spoil their health.

4. Please don't tease the animals.

5. Follow the rules and co-operate with the zoo authorities.

6. The zoo can now be accessed from the road going to Rushikonda, which was hitherto closed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. The zoo is open round the year and is closed on Mondays.

2. Timings : 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

3. Rates of admission

    Main gate :  Adults - Rs. 10.00/- and Children - Rs. 5.00/-

    Cars - Rs. 200/- (with 5 occupants free).

4. Zoo visit

In the van belonging to the zoo - Adult Rs. 15/-
                                             Child  Rs. 10/-  

Train ride - Adult Rs. 15/-
               Child  Rs. 10/-     

5. Elephant ride :

     (3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.)

     Children - Rs. 1/-

Photography

     Still Camera - Rs. 10/- Video Camera - Rs. 75/-