The North News
Chandigarh, January 6
More than half a million people visited Punjab’s Chhatbir Zoo in 2025, with government school students accounting for the largest share, reflecting growing public interest in wildlife education and conservation. Official figures show that over 500,000 visitors came to the zoo between January and December last year. Among them were more than 62,000 students from government schools, along with over 18,000 private primary school students and more than 16,000 from private high schools.
The rise in footfall has been attributed to renewed efforts by the state’s Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department. Officials said that the trend points to a growing curiosity among young people about Punjab’s wildlife, as well as increased awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity as part of the natural environment.
Also known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, the zoo was established in 1977 and has expanded its educational outreach in recent years. Activities such as zoo education programmes, “Run for Wild” events and blood donation camps are regularly organised to sensitise visitors—particularly students—about local flora and fauna.
Among the major attractions is what officials describe as the country’s largest and longest walk-in aviary, along with a newly developed dinosaur park. Infrastructure upgrades have also been carried out in the wildlife safari zone, where boundary walls have been reinforced and a 260 kV solar power plant installed.
In addition, a critical care unit has been set up at the lion safari to treat carnivorous animals, while an open-air zoo education plaza now offers learning support for visitors, especially schoolchildren.
