Maharajbagh Zoo

Maharajbagh Zoo is a historic zoological park and botanical garden located in Sitabardi, Nagpur, Maharashtra. Established on the former gardens of the Bhonsle and Maratha rulers, it is one of India's oldest zoos and is maintained by Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth under the Central Zoo Authority. The site combines wildlife exhibits with heritage landscaping in the heart of the city, serving as a center for conservation and education despite its compact urban footprint.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals including tigers, deer, bears, monkeys, and exotic birds within an urban zoo setting that also functions as a botanical garden. The facility includes a children's playground, food court, and educational guides who provide information about the animals and habitats. As a compact city zoo, it offers a manageable walking experience through landscaped grounds that reflect its historical origins as a royal garden.

Established in 1894 by the Bhonsle dynasty rulers, the zoo was built upon the historic Maharajbagh garden originally created for botanical study and royal use. It has operated continuously for over a century and came under the supervision of the Central Zoo Authority of India, surviving a 2006 closure notice after infrastructure improvements were made with municipal funding.

The zoo serves as a living legacy of Nagpur's Maratha and Bhonsle heritage, transforming a royal garden into a public institution for wildlife conservation and education. It remains an important local landmark and recreational space for Nagpur residents, reflecting the city's historical evolution from princely state to modern urban center.