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.
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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.