Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore Zoo)

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, known widely as Mysuru Zoo, is one of the oldest zoological parks in India, established in 1892 from the private menagerie of the Mysore royal family. The zoo is managed by the Zoo Authority of Karnataka and is recognised by the Central Zoo Authority and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is home to more than 160 species of animals, including the country's only combined collection of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, white rhinos and cheetahs. Beyond public exhibits, the zoo runs education and conservation initiatives for school and college students, including an annual summer camp, a youth club, zoo keeper training, and an animal adoption programme. These initiatives are designed to build long term interest in wildlife conservation among young visitors. The zoo also maintains breeding programmes for threatened species and takes part in animal exchange arrangements with other zoological parks to support genetic diversity. Adjacent facilities under its management include Karanji Lake Nature Park and a natural history museum.