Manipur Zoological Garden

zoo in Iroisemba, Imphal West District

Manipur Zoological Garden (Meitei: Manipur Sha-Uchek Thampham) is a zoo in Iroisemba, Manipur.[2] It is the second habitat of Sangai (Cervus eldi eldi),[2] the world's only dancing deer species, after the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park.[3] It is a medium sized zoological garden. It houses Schedule 1 species of amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. The animals kept in the zoo are mostly endemic to Manipur. The Central Zoo Authority of India recognized it as the coordinating zoo for the conservation breeding center of Sangai and Serow (Meitei: Sabeng).[2]

Manipur Zoological Garden
Two Sangais in Manipur Zoological Garden, Imphal, Manipur
Date opened2nd October, 1976
Date opening2nd October, 1976
LocationIroisemba, Imphal West District
Land area68 hectares[1]
No. of species400

The best time to visit the zoo during summer is from April to September. The best time during Winter is from October to March. Monday is usually closed.[4]

History change

 
The Sangai deer illustration in a stamp of India

The Manipur Zoological Garden was established on the 2nd of October in the year 1976.[1]

Location change

The Manipur Zoological Garden is located in Iroisemba town along the Imphal-Kangchup road. It is in the Imphal West District. It is 5–6 km away from Imphal.[1][2][5]

Features change

 
A Sangai deer in the Manipur Zoological Garden

The zoo offers its visitors to have an opportunity to see the graceful Sangai, the brow antlered deer. This deer is one of the rarest and one of the most endangered species in the world.[1][2] This zoo is located at the foothills of the pine growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat.[1][5]

Conservation change

 
A Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) in the Manipur Zoological Garden

It is an in situ conservation center of 45 endangered mammals, reptiles and birds. Many Schedule 1 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians are kept in the zoo. The animals endemic to Manipur are kept in the zoo. It is recognised as the coordinating zoo for the conservation breeding center of Sangai and Serow (Meitei: Sabeng) by the Central Zoo Authority of India.[2]

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.). Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-864-2.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Singh, Arambam Sanatomba (2021-06-18). Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission. Walnut Publication. p. 112. ISBN 978-93-91145-59-0.
  3. "The world's only floating national park". www.bbc.com.
  4. Singh, Arambam Sanatomba (2021-06-18). Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission. Walnut Publication. p. 113. ISBN 978-93-91145-59-0.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Ghosh, Joydeep (2019-02-28). General Knowledge of Northeast India: For All Psc and Competitive Exams. Educreation Publishing.