Good news for the people of Belagavi! The Rani Channamma Zoo is all set for an exciting upgrade, with new animals being introduced. A proposal has been submitted to transform the mini zoo into a medium-sized one, and all development work is expected to be completed by the end of December. Once done, the zoo will house nearly double the current number of animals and birds.
New Additions Coming to the Zoo
The Rani Channamma Mini Zoo, India’s first zoo developed under NREGA, is being expanded to offer more weekend fun and learning for families and children. Located along the national highway in Bhutaramanhatti village near Belgaum, the zoo currently shelters 205 animals and birds, including tigers, lions, crocodiles, deer, and several bird species. With the upgrade, the zoo will double its wildlife count.
Development work has already begun following verbal approval of the medium zoo proposal. All arrangements are scheduled for completion by December-end.
What’s New?
Soon, the zoo will welcome two pairs each of ten snake species, including cobra, Indian rock python, reticulated python, green anaconda, sand boa, keelback, common krait, Russell’s viper, and others. Alongside the existing mugger crocodile, a pair of gharial crocodiles will also be introduced.
The bird section is expanding too, with three pairs each of six bird species: lovebirds, cockatiels, sun conures, bird risers, rose-ringed parrots, and zebra finches. An auditorium and a wildlife museum are also in the pipeline.
A Better View of the Tiger
Plans are in place to extend the current tiger safari by another 20 hectares. The proposal includes adding giraffes, hippos, zebras, wild boars, wild dogs, hyenas, ostriches, deer, and more big cats like tigers and lions.
Everything is moving as expected, and for animal lovers in Belagavi, it’s a dream come true. The animals we’ve only seen in books, on TV, or mobile screens will soon be right here, taking Kundanagar to a whole new level.
