Vizag zoo a major tourist attraction, yet falls short in visitor facilities
Visitors, who expect to see a variety of activities throughout the day, including zoo feeding sessions, educational talks and animal shows, find it difficult to get these experiences at the IGZP
Visakhapatnam: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam has firmly established itself as a premier tourist destination, drawing 5,56,202 visitors last year and generating an impressive revenue of ₹55,931,427. yet falls short in visitor facilities.
By area, the IGZP is one of India's largest zoological parks. Established in 1972, it spans 625 acres within the Seethakonda Reserved Forest, which is part of the picturesque Eastern Ghats. The zoo’s 97 species and approximately 900 animals, including carnivores, herbivores, birds, reptiles, primates and rodents, are housed in a natural and serene environment. The park is home to many endangered species native to India.
However, the IGZP has noticeable shortcomings in visitor amenities, in particular a proper canteen. Wheelchairs for elderly and strollers for children are not available even for rent. There are no nursing rooms. The less said about toilet facilities, the better.
Visitors have complained about lack of comprehensive audio guide systems, allowing visitors to explore the intriguing animal world. Such audio facilities seamlessly marry education with entertainment and dissolve language barriers. They allow visitors to learn about the animals independently.
Visitors, who expect to see a variety of activities throughout the day, including zoo feeding sessions, educational talks and animal shows, find it difficult to get these experiences at the IGZP. A good curation could enhance the visitors’ understanding of the wildlife and the zoo's conservation efforts.
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a sanctuary for animals. It is vital for raising awareness about biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. With 893 specimens across various species, the zoo remains a cornerstone of Vizag's tourism sector, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and wildlife.
IGZP has achieved much in wildlife conservation and education. But addressing gaps in visitor amenities, particularly audio curation, will enhance the overall experience and maintain the zoo’s status as a key tourist destination in Visakhapatnam.
Species Count at IGZP:
Species� � � � � � �No. of Species� � � No. of Animals
Carnivores� � � � � � � �14� � � � � � � � � � � � � � 92
Herbivores� � � � � � � � 17� � � � � � � � � � � � � 248
Primates� � � � � � � � � � �9� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 63
Rodents� � � � � � � � � � � 2� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7
Reptiles� � � � � � � � � � �13� � � � � � � � � � � � � 219
Aves (Birds)� � � � � � � 42� � � � � � � � � � � � � �264
Total� � � � � � � � � � � � � �97� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 893
What's Your Reaction?
