Pune, the cultural hub of Maharashtra, is set to add another feather to its cap with the introduction of zebras at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj. The Pune Municipal Corporation has invested a whopping ₹1.5 crore in constructing a special enclosure for the zebras, with the aim of making the zoo a top tourist attraction in the region.
While Pune’s climate is believed to be ideal for zebras, the project has hit a roadblock due to delays in the importation process. The PMC had initially planned to source the zebras from Africa, where they are in high demand, but now they are looking at Europe and Israel as potential sources for four zebras – two males and two females.
The setback came when the previous contractor failed to meet international standards, leading to the need for consultation with an expert committee before proceeding with the importation. This delay has disappointed many local residents who were excited about the prospect of seeing zebras in Pune.
Despite the setback, the PMC remains optimistic about the project’s future. If approved, Pune will become the first city in Maharashtra to host zebras, joining the ranks of other successful zoos in India that have introduced these captivating animals to increase tourist footfall.
While the timeline for the zebras’ arrival remains uncertain, Pune’s zoo is on track to becoming a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, promising an enriched visitor experience and putting the city on the map as a unique zoological hotspot in Maharashtra.
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