Pune: Katraj Zoo Attracts 80,000 Visitors in Just 15 Days Amid Summer Vacation Rush
Reported by Vikrant Sonawane
Katraj, 18th May 2025: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly picnic spot to enjoy with family and friends, Katraj Zoo might just be the perfect destination. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre — popularly known as Katraj Zoo — is fast becoming a favourite weekend getaway for Punekars.
Located on Pune-Satara Road, opposite Katraj Dairy, the zoo sprawls across 130 acres and is divided into three main sections: an animal orphanage, a snake park, and the main zoo. It also includes the scenic Katraj Lake, adding to the park’s charm.
Visitors can see a wide range of animals and birds including peafowls, black kites, and shikras. Among mammals, the zoo houses blackbucks, chinkaras, jackals, leopards, white Bengal tigers, sloth bears, jungle cats, sambars, and more. The zoo also boasts a rich collection of reptiles.
On weekends, the zoo transforms into a lively carnival. From families to groups of friends, from children to senior citizens — everyone comes together to enjoy a day in nature. Outside the zoo gates, several stalls offer snacks like pav bhaji, pulao, sandwiches, roasted peanuts, and ice cream, making the visit a wholesome experience.
Tourist Nutan Shinde shared her experience, saying, “This place is really wonderful. I would recommend everyone to visit it with their family and friends.”
According to Deputy Director Suchitra Suryawanshi-Patil, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is classified as a medium zoo authorised by the Central Zoo Authority. “Currently, the zoo is home to 430 animals across 53 species, making it one of Pune’s key tourist attractions,” she said.
In the past 15 days alone — from May 1 to 15 — the zoo recorded a footfall of nearly 70,000 to 80,000 visitors. The surge in visitors is largely due to summer vacations and children’s eagerness to see wild animals up close.
Zoo Timings and Ticket Information
- Timings: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Wednesdays. Gates shut at 6:30 PM.
- Entry Tickets:
- Adults: ₹40
- Children (above 3 years): ₹10
- Children (below 3 years): Free
- Foreign Nationals: ₹100
- Blind and differently-abled visitors: Free
- Educational trips (Private schools): ₹10
- Educational trips (ZP/Municipal/Government schools): ₹5
- Camera Charges:
- Still camera: ₹50
- Video camera: ₹200
With its rich biodiversity, affordable tickets, and family-friendly environment, Katraj Zoo continues to attract nature lovers and tourists alike, solidifying its place as one of Pune’s top weekend destinations.
