Kittur Rani Chennamma zoo,Belagavi — Attraction in Karnataka

It is quite amusing and pleasant to see the existence of a zoo in a small city like Belagavi. The entry fees are reasonable—₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children (5–12 years). There are separate charges for the tiger safari and for parking. Visitors can also hire a cart (₹800 for a group of up to 11) if they wish to avoid walking.

The zoo is well maintained, especially the walking areas, which are neatly paved with RMC blocks. The animal enclosures are fairly standard and aligned with habitat needs. The zoo houses a range of birds (peacocks, parakeets, pheasants, ducks, fowls, etc.) and animals including bears, jackals, deer, lions, hyenas, leopards, tigers, turtles, and crocodiles. Facilities like drinking water and washrooms are available.

However, the fish aquarium is poorly maintained. It charges ₹5 per person, but this fee is not officially notified, and the fact that the gatekeeper insists on it raises concerns of a suspicious and possibly corrupt practice.

The tiger safari is a decent experience, conducted in mini-buses secured with protective cages. The safari park has only two tigers (one in a cage and one roaming free), along with freely roaming deer. However, the safari has no fixed schedule—the buses wait until more passengers arrive, which can cause long, uncertain delays. This lack of timing or guidelines makes it difficult for visitors to plan their entry to the safari gate.

Some bird cages are either empty or repetitive, with the same species seen in multiple enclosures. That said, I also noticed the zoo is actively expanding, building more sheds and habitats. On a positive note, the animals, especially the tiger and leopard, looked healthy and well-fed, which was reassuring. Visitors should be cautious of free-roaming langurs, particularly if carrying eatables. Forest rangers are posted near enclosures of ferocious animals, adding to safety.

Overall, Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo is a pleasant outing, especially for children, offering them a chance to see real animals up close. With some improvements in transparency, cleanliness of the aquarium, and better safari management, it has the potential to become an even more engaging attraction...

A Mixed Bag with Room for Improvement

Overall Impression: Rani Chennamma Zoo offers a decent, if unexceptional, zoo experience. While there are some notable highlights, like the spacious layout and impressive lion enclosure, several shortcomings hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Highlights: Spacious Layout: The new layout seems well-planned and spacious, providing ample room for future animal exhibits and visitor amenities. Impressive Lion Enclosure: The lion and lioness enclosure is a particular standout, offering visitors a good view of these majestic creatures. Educational Value: The zoo provides educational signage and information boards about the animals, which can be helpful for kids and adults alike.

Lowlights: Limited Animal Variety: The absence of key animals like elephants, tigers, snakes, and pythons was a major disappointment, especially for families with children. Animal Activity: Many animals were observed resting or inactive, which could dampen the overall viewing experience. Lack of Shade and Water: The scorching heat and limited shade and water availability made exploring the zoo uncomfortable, especially for younger visitors. Food and Litter: Allowing food inside the zoo contributed to litter and an unhygienic environment.

Recommendations: Prioritize acquiring and exhibiting a wider range of animals, including popular crowd-pleasers like elephants, tigers, and snakes. Implement measures to encourage animal activity, such as enrichment programs and habitat improvements. Provide ample shade and drinking water stations throughout the zoo for visitor comfort and safety. Strictly enforce a ban on food and drinks inside the zoo to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Expedite the completion of the redevelopment project to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Conclusion: Rani Chennamma Zoo has the potential to be a much more enjoyable and educational experience. By addressing the shortcomings and implementing the recommended improvements, the zoo can attract more visitors, create a more engaging environment for both animals and humans, and become a valuable asset to...

This has impressive potential to become even better than Chamundeshwari & Bannerghatta Zoo. However, considering the current political climate, challenges in North Karnataka, and its location near the border, I have doubts about its successful development.

Cleanliness is the biggest concern. During my visit, I saw visitors littering, and I don't understand why food is allowed inside. Anything can be allowed if proper systems are in place to maintain cleanliness and order.

My suggestion for the authority: For the Visitors: "Create water bodies, which would significantly enhance the overall infrastructure". 2.Variety of animals: "While the current animal selection shows promise, expanding the number and diversity of species could significantly enhance the visitor experience and educational value." Tiger safari vehicle: "Safety concerns arise with the current Tiger safari vehicle. Implementing upgraded, well-maintained vehicles would improve not only visitor comfort but also animal welfare." Visitor engagement: "Interactive educational tools like QR codes linked to detailed species information and conservation efforts could deepen visitor engagement and appreciation for nature." Eco-friendliness: "Integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems would demonstrate a commendable commitment to environmental sustainability." "The use of extensive concrete in animal enclosures detracts from the natural atmosphere. Utilizing natural materials and landscaping to create more biodiverse habitats would be a significant improvement." Water bodies: "Maintaining hygienic water bodies is crucial for animal health and welfare. Regular cleaning and filtration systems are essential to address the current issue of...