Thinking Pint
TreeTake Network
Bannerghatta Biological Park on the southern outskirts of Bengaluru has unveiled an extensive Rs 38 crore expansion of its wildlife conservation, veterinary care, and zero-emission visitor infrastructure, inaugurating upgraded enclosures, biosecurity blocks, and a poignant tribute to a fallen wildlife veterinarian.
Inaugurated by Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre alongside senior officials of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka and the state forest department, the newly commissioned facilities aim to elevate animal welfare standards, strengthen disease quarantine protocols, and reduce carbon emissions across one of India's busiest biological parks.
Modernised Enclosures, Biosecurity, and Elephant Care
Designed in alignment with Central Zoo Authority norms, the infrastructure programme introduces spacious, naturalistic habitats for Indian grey wolves, cheetahs, emus, rheas, and exotic pheasants, enabling animals to exhibit natural foraging and territorial behaviours while giving visitors unobstructed, low-stress viewing points.
To bolster preventive veterinary medicine and biosecurity, the park has commissioned a dedicated quarantine block to isolate newly rescued or translocated animals prior to integration, alongside a modernised live-feed preparation and supply unit and a central botanical nursery to support native habitat enrichment. At the Suvarna Elephant Care Centre, a newly built elevated viewing tower allows visitors and researchers to observe rescued and camp elephants without intruding upon their resting zones.
Addressing officials, veterinary staff, and conservationists at the inauguration, Minister Eshwar B. Khandre emphasised that modernising biological parks is vital for both ex-situ conservation and public environmental education. "Our objective is to ensure that Bannerghatta Biological Park sets a national benchmark in scientific animal care, habitat enrichment, and eco-friendly visitor management," Minister Khandre said. "Every rupee invested in veterinary biosecurity, spacious enclosures, and green mobility directly strengthens wildlife welfare and deepens public respect for nature."
Zero-Emission Mobility and Poignant Veterinary Tribute
As part of Karnataka's broader push to decarbonise protected areas and eco-tourism hubs, the park has inducted a new fleet of battery-operated electric vehicles to ferry visitors across internal safari and zoo circuits, curbing noise pollution and tailpipe emissions near sensitive animal enclosures.
In a deeply moving gesture honouring frontline veterinary dedication, authorities named both the newly upgraded Hippopotamus Block and a newborn hippopotamus calf "Sameeksha" in memory of Dr Sameeksha Reddy, a 27-year-old wildlife veterinary officer who tragically lost her life in the line of duty while treating a pregnant hippopotamus at the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari in Shivamogga.
Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park A. V. Surya Sen highlighted how the new infrastructure balances ecological sensitivity with visitor experience. "From introducing electric vehicles that eliminate noise disturbance around wildlife habitats to commissioning a specialised quarantine unit and naming the hippopotamus enclosure after Dr Sameeksha, every element of this upgrade reflects our commitment to compassionate, science-led conservation," Surya Sen stated.
Senior officials from the Zoo Authority of Karnataka noted that Bannerghatta—which borders the Bannerghatta National Park elephant corridor—plays an indispensable role in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation awareness across southern India, welcoming more than two million visitors annually.
Editor's Note
Upgrading ex-situ conservation facilities with rigorous quarantine biosecurity, naturalistic enclosures, and zero-emission electric mobility marks a welcome shift from traditional menagerie-style tourism toward ethical, science-driven wildlife stewardship. Sustaining these standards over the long term will require continuous investment in specialist veterinary staffing, stringent visitor capacity management, and seamless ecological protection for the adjoining Bannerghatta forest corridor.
Leave a comment