Alipore Zoological Garden

Alipore Zoological Garden, commonly known as Alipore Zoo or Kolkata Zoo, is located in Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal. Established in 1875 and opened in 1876, it is India's oldest zoological park. Spread over about 46.5 acres, it houses a wide range of mammals, birds and reptiles, including Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants and large aviaries, and serves as a major centre for education, recreation and conservation.

Visitors can expect a large urban zoo with landscaped gardens, tree-lined pathways, animal enclosures, aviaries, a reptile house, primate house, aquarium and water bodies. The zoo displays big cats including Royal Bengal Tiger and white tiger, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamus, deer, and diverse bird species. Facilities include ticket counters, food stalls and seating areas. The environment is family-oriented with opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography and educational walks.

Established on 24 September 1875 on the initiative of Sir Richard Temple and Carl Louis Schwendler, and formally opened on 6 May 1876 by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). It is the oldest zoological park in India, originally developed from the private menagerie of Governor General Lord Wellesley at Barrackpore. It was historically home to the Aldabra giant tortoise Adwaita, believed to have lived for over 250 years.

A major educational, recreational and conservation landmark of Kolkata, visited by families, students and researchers. It plays a role in wildlife conservation, captive breeding and public awareness about biodiversity and is an integral part of the city's cultural and leisure heritage.