Katraj Zoo and Snake Park Wildlife Awareness Programme for Schools
by Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre (Katraj Zoo)
Wildlife conservation awareness
Guided wildlife awareness sessions and conservation workshops for school groups at the Katraj zoo, snake park and animal orphanage in Pune.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Grade 1 to 12
Fee
₹60
Duration
Single day guided visit within zoo hours. The zoo's separate introductory workshop runs across two days each month.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Day programme within zoo visiting hours, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to school students of all classes. Group sessions are arranged on request from a school and students must be accompanied by teachers to claim the school trip rate. There is no residency restriction and no selection process. Individual students and families may also visit during normal zoo hours.
Know in seconds if your child qualifies.
The app checks eligibility for you.
Benefits
- Guided wildlife sessions led by zoo staff
- Close observation of snakes and other reptiles
- Workshops on human and animal conflict
- Inter school competitions during Wildlife Week
- Concessional entry rates for school groups
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra
How to apply
- 1Contact the zoo by phone or email to request a group awareness session
- 2Agree a visit date, avoiding Wednesdays when the zoo is closed
- 3Book entry tickets online or at the ticket counter
- 4Arrive with accompanying teachers to claim the school trip rate
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Access is by zoo entry ticket rather than a separate programme fee. School trips accompanied by teachers pay Rs 20 per student from private schools and Rs 10 per student from Pune Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad and government schools. Children below four feet four inches pay Rs 20. Blind and disabled visitors enter free on production of proof. A guide, where available, is Rs 50 per group. A still camera is Rs 50 and a video camera Rs 200. A refundable deposit of Rs 10 applies per plastic bottle carried in.
About this opportunity
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park at Katraj runs wildlife conservation awareness sessions for school and college groups on its campus, which combines a zoo, a snake and reptile section and an animal orphanage.
Sessions are arranged on request from a school and combine guided tours led by zoo staff with workshops on wildlife conservation strategies and on human and animal conflict. Schools may also book self guided visits at concessional student rates. The reptile section holds snakes and other reptiles at close viewing distance, and snake biodiversity of the Western Ghats has featured in the zoo's expert talk programming through a visiting herpetologist.
The zoo also runs an open calendar of awareness activity through the year. Wildlife Week is held from 1 to 7 October with inter school rangoli, drawing, street play and best out of waste competitions, bird watching, a nature trail walk and expert talks, closing with a prize distribution for the best performing students and schools. Single day observances such as World Environment Day, International Tiger Day, World Elephant Day and World Lion Day are marked with talks and activities for visiting students, and a two day introductory zoo workshop is offered monthly.
The park is operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation and is recognised by the Central Zoo Authority as a medium category zoo. Its stated objective is to build awareness towards wildlife conservation through educational activities, and the education programme is delivered by the zoo's own education and animal section staff.
What your child will do
- Guided zoo tours led by zoo staff
- Workshops on wildlife conservation and human animal conflict
- Self guided school visits at student rates
- Expert talks including snake biodiversity of the Western Ghats
- Wildlife Week inter school competitions and nature trail walk
Mentors & faculty
Sessions are led by the zoo's education officer and animal section staff, with senior zoo officers delivering subject talks. External subject experts are invited for Wildlife Week, including a herpetologist from the Indian Herpetological Society who has spoken on snake biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Academic details
Difficulty: Introductory
What's covered
Guided exposure to zoo species, to snakes and other reptiles, and to habitat conservation and human and animal conflict, delivered through staff led tours, expert talks and group workshops.
Frequently asked questions
What support systems help school groups manage a zoo awareness visit?
Zoo staff lead the tour and workshop, teachers accompany the group as a condition of the school rate, and the campus provides drinking water points, toilets, rest shelters and a public address system at the entrance.
How do participants get close to snakes and other reptiles safely?
Reptiles are viewed from behind fixed enclosure railings. Zoo rules prohibit crossing railings or disturbing animals, so participation is observation and discussion rather than any handling of snakes.
Which day should schools avoid when planning the visit?
The zoo is closed on all Wednesdays. On open days entry runs from 9:30 am, and ticket booking closes 30 minutes before the zoo shuts at 5:00 pm, or 5:30 pm between 1 April and 15 June.
What does the programme cost for a government school group?
Students from Pune Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad and government schools pay Rs 10 per head on a teacher accompanied trip, against Rs 20 for private school students. The awareness session itself carries no separate charge.
How can students take part beyond a single guided visit?
Wildlife Week from 1 to 7 October opens inter school competitions in rangoli, drawing, street play and best out of waste, alongside bird watching and expert talks, with prizes for the best performing students and schools.
Is this the right fit for your child?
Your child is not a list entry. WiWit matches opportunities to who they already are.
Share with other parents
Organization
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre (Katraj Zoo)
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
India MUN National Conference
by India MUN
National climate-focused MUN conference with Rs. 5 lakh+ prize pool, expert-led workshops, and UN committee simulations.
What your child could gain:
Youth Climate Conclave (YCC)
by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
TERI's flagship multi-day climate program engaging Indian youth through panels, workshops, debates, exhibitions, and a Youth Pledge at the World Sustainable Development Summit.
What your child could gain:
National Service Scheme (NSS) for Youth Development and Community Engagement
by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a government initiative fostering community service, leadership, and social responsibility among Indian students, contributing to nation-building and personal growth.
What your child could gain: