The National Zoological Park, also known as Delhi Zoo, located in New Delhi, India, spans across 176 acres (71 ha) of land. Situated amidst the bustling urban environment of Delhi, this 16th-century citadel offers a unique experience with its diverse collection of animals and birds. Visitors can explore the zoo on foot or rent battery-operated vehicles for convenience. While outside food is not permitted, the zoo features an on-site canteen, ensuring visitors have access to refreshments.
The idea to establish a zoo in the national capital was conceived in 1951, and the park was officially inaugurated in November 1959, following the construction of New Delhi. The Indian Board for Wildlife formed a committee in 1952 to oversee the creation of the zoo, with the intention of developing it as a working enterprise under the government of India before handing it over to Delhi. N. D. Bachkheti of the Indian Forest Service was assigned to supervise the zoo’s development after the committee finalized its location in 1953.
To design the zoo, Major Aubrey Weinman of the Ceylon Zoological Garden was initially approached, but due to his unavailability, Carl Hagenbeck of the Zoological Garden of Hamburg was hired. Hagenbeck presented a preliminary plan in March 1956, which proposed the use of moated enclosures for the new zoo. The plan was subsequently modified to suit local conditions and gained approval from the Indian government in December 1956.
The first phase of the zoo’s construction concluded by the end of 1959, and the animals, previously housed in temporary enclosures, were moved into their permanent habitats. On November 1, 1959, the park was officially opened as the Delhi Zoo. In 1982, it was renamed the National Zoological Park with the aspiration of setting an example for other zoos across the country, promoting wildlife conservation and education.