Belagavi mini zoo draws crowds with tiger safari and more

Belagavi: Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo located at Bhutaramanahatti, 14km from here, is becoming a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. With attractions like the tiger safari and animals such as lions, leopards, bears, and white peacocks, the footfall is steadily climbing, so much so that the forest officials indicate that the facility may soon be expanded.
The mini zoo, spread on 125 acre land, was once a habitat of spotted deer. It was earlier named Nisarghadhama, of which a signboard is still there. In 2018, the mini zoo was opened with permission from the central and state zoo authorities, thanks to efforts by minister Satish Jarkiholi, forest official Basavaraj, and then DC Mahantesh Hiremath.
Apart from two lions, three tigers, three leopards, two bears, 13 foxes, 16 deer, four donkeys, and crocodiles, the facility is home to 198 birds of 25 species. There is a good response from people to north Karnataka's first tiger safari started here a year ago. Two vehicles ferry the visitors to cover 20 hectares of the safari area. The zoo is closed on Tuesday.
Visitors Bhavana D and Jyoti Kamat said they had come to the zoo four years ago. "The zoo is well developed now," they added.
An animal adoption scheme has been implemented to create awareness among people on wildlife conservation. Those interested to adopt a bird/ animal to mark birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions can choose from four categories: tiger and lion under Rs 1 lakh (diamond scheme category); other animals and birds in the range of Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000 (gold, silver, and bronze categories). Those adapting birds/ animals will get a certificate as per rules. For details, visit the zoo or call 7411434788.
Zonal forest officer Pavan Kerning said they got Rs 1.8 crore revenue from 2.8 lakh visitors in 2023, while the collection so far this year stands at Rs 85 lakh (from 89,000 visitors). The revenue is used for the zoo inmates' upkeep and payment of outsourced staff, and to create facilities for visitors. "We are thinking of upgrading the mini zoo to a medium zoo and increasing the number of inmates," the officer added.