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Kolkata Alipore Zoo

AN ELGIN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE​ By Tarusi Saluja

Image by @ saumynagayach21, Instagram

Who needs photo editing filters when the nature offers the most vibrant colours and spectacular view in real. A sheer delight!

Being India’s oldest formally stated zoological park, the Kolkata Alipore Zoo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kolkata, West Bengal. The zoo entices travellers from all over the nation who visit the zoo to delve into the wildlife that thrives there. They say the zoo owes most of its popularity to the now-expired Aldabra giant tortoise Adwaita, who was estimated to have been 250 years old when he died in the year 2006. It is regarded as the zoo’s longest-lived animal.

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‘The view is interesting on both sides of the mesh. Loved this fun filled moment filled with curiosity and attentive expressions!A moment vividly captured at the Alipore Zoological garden.
A diverse range of exotic animals such as the Indian Elephant, White Tiger, Antelope, Royal Bengal Tiger, the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros can be spotted there. Previously, another megafauna like the Panthera hybrids and the giant eland were present.
Image by @rashibaid, Instagram

The ferocious one in the zoo!

For all you bird-watchers out there, The Alipore Zoo showcases a large collection of beautiful birds, including several macaw species and lorikeets, hornbills, flamboyant birds like Lady Amherst’s pheasant and Swinehoe’s pheasant and large flightless birds like ostrich, cassowary, and emu. The Alipore zoo also boasts of a unique Reptile House, an Elephant House, a Primate House and a Panther House. A distinct zoo for children exists here, along with the Calcutta Aquarium which lies right opposite to the zoo. This makes it easier for tourists to make the best of both worlds!
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Over curious Ostrich

During the winter season, the central wetland inside the zoo grounds attracts migratory birds such as Sarus Crane. Since the zoo is encompassed by metropolitan colonies for miles, the zoo water bodies serve as the only resting site for some of the birds. Construction of modern glass-walled enclosures for tigers, the first of its kind in India and aviaries has further enhanced the reputation of the zoo.
Image by @ pbphotography2001, Instagram

The Brow-antlered deer or the Dancing deer is an endangered species endemic to Manipur, India.

Tourists are seen flocking to this famous destination in large numbers during December and January making the winter season the perfect time for a visit. The zoo is located near The Elgin Fairlawn, Kolkata with a travel time of just 11 minutes by car. Admirers of nature or families with little kids will surely have a fantastic time exploring the rich and bountiful wildlife of India at its best.

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