The zoo is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, including rare white tigers.
It is built on a former forest block, preserving much of the original local flora.
The park features a specialized walkthrough aviary designed to allow closer observation of exotic bird species.
It houses a captive breeding center for the endangered gharial, a type of crocodilian.
The lion safari enclosure is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in North India.
It serves as a major rescue and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife found in the Punjab region.
The zoo utilizes a naturalistic enclosure design to minimize the visual presence of barriers for visitors.
Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, commonly known as Chhatbir Zoo, is a large zoological garden situated near Zirakpur, Punjab. It spans over 202 acres and is recognized for its successful captive breeding programs, particularly for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The zoo features a dedicated lion safari experience where visitors travel through fenced enclosures. Its collection includes a wide variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles housed in settings that mimic their natural habitats. The facility is managed by the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab. A notable feature is the 60-foot-high 'Dino Park' which houses life-size dinosaur replicas. The zoo also emphasizes conservation education through its interpretation center. The landscape includes a large artificial lake that attracts migratory birds during winter months.
The elevated viewing deck overlooking the lion safari area.
Rent a bicycle inside the park to cover the large grounds efficiently.
Carry your own water and snacks, as options inside can be limited or crowded.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the enclosures are spread across a wide area.
Visiting during the peak heat of summer afternoons when animals retreat to their shelters and shade.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Do not feed the animals, maintain silence near enclosures, and do not litter.
