Context

The ‘Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory’ got its first full-fledged Jambu Zoo in a naturally green landscape at Khanpur Nagrota in the foothills of Shivalik.

About

• The first phase of Jambu Zoo covers 70 hectares and was sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC) for Rs 62.41 crore.
• The Central Zoo Authority is converting a 'Deer Park' in Manda near here that was previously operated by Jammu and Kashmir into a rescue centre.
• The Jambu Zoo named after Raja Jambu Lochan, who, according to legend, created Jammu after watching a lion and a goat drinking water together on the bank of the Tawi, will be the largest zoo in North India, with a total area of 162 hectares. It will begin with 27 kinds of rare animals and birds coming from various states around the country.
• Its main attractions would include a pair of Bengal tigers, an Asiatic lion, a black buck, a ghariyal, and a marsh crocodile, officials said, adding that these creatures are not accessible in any other zoo in North India save Chandigarh.
• The zoo offers both online and offline ticketing, as well as parking for 130 automobiles, nine buses, and 90 two-wheelers.