G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India, is one of the highest zoos in the world, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level. Established in 1984, the zoo is named after Govind Ballabh Pant, a renowned Indian freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Spread over an area of approximately 4.6 hectares (11 acres), the G.B. Pant Zoo is home to a diverse collection of Himalayan wildlife, including rare and endangered species adapted to high-altitude environments. The zoo's primary focus is on the conservation and breeding of Himalayan fauna, as well as providing education and awareness about wildlife conservation.

Visitors to the G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo can explore its well-maintained enclosures and exhibits, which showcase a variety of animal species native to the Himalayan region. Some of the zoo's most notable residents include the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Tibetan wolf, red panda, and Himalayan monal pheasant, among others.

The zoo's natural setting amidst the picturesque hills of Nainital offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in a habitat that closely resembles their natural surroundings. The zoo's management emphasizes providing spacious enclosures and enriching environments for the animals to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo also serves as an educational resource, offering interpretive displays, guided tours, and conservation programs to educate visitors about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the challenges facing Himalayan wildlife.

The zoo is a popular tourist attraction in Nainital, drawing visitors from far and wide who come to marvel at its unique collection of high-altitude fauna and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. It plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts in the region and serves as a valuable hub for research, education, and public engagement in conservation initiatives.