Pune Zoo Announces Major Changes: Higher Tickets, New Animals
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre in Katraj is set for significant transformations as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) revealed plans for both ticket price increases and exciting new animal additions. The proposed changes aim to make the popular attraction more self-sufficient while enhancing its wildlife collection.
According to officials, the PMC will present a formal proposal for ticket price revisions on Thursday, November 13, 2025. If approved, this would mark the first price adjustment since November 2018, ending a seven-year period of unchanged rates.
Detailed Breakdown of New Ticket Pricing
The new pricing structure represents a substantial 50% increase across most categories. Adult tickets will rise from Rs 40 to Rs 60, while children's tickets will double from Rs 10 to Rs 20. Foreign visitors will see their entry fee increase from Rs 100 to Rs 150.
Student pricing will vary depending on institution type. Private school students will pay Rs 20, while those from government schools will continue to enjoy a subsidized rate of Rs 10. This differential pricing aims to maintain accessibility for students from all economic backgrounds.
Expansion Plans: New Animals Coming Soon
In exciting news for wildlife enthusiasts, the zoo is preparing to welcome several new species. Zebras, mouse deer, and lion-tailed macaques will soon call the Pune zoo home, with specialized enclosures currently under construction as part of the snake park redevelopment project.
Additional habitats are being prepared for marmosets, tamarins, and wild dogs, significantly expanding the zoo's biodiversity. These additions will complement the existing collection that includes tigers, leopards, lions, sloth bears, blackbucks, spotted deer, chinkaras, sambar, monkeys, reptiles, snakes, and various bird species.
Financial Necessity Behind Price Increase
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram explained the rationale behind the price hike, stating that the actual expenditure for zoo operations far exceeds the revenue collected through tickets. The rising costs include animal food, employee salaries, maintenance, and future expansion projects.
"The ticket prices at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park are very minimal compared to those at other zoos in the country," Ram emphasized. "Thus, it will be appropriate to increase the ticket prices. It will help increase revenue and enable the zoo to become self-reliant."
The commissioner further noted that the price adjustment follows detailed discussions and considers both the growing animal population and improved visitor facilities. The ongoing work according to the zoo's master plan for expansion continues to drive up operational costs, necessitating the revenue increase.
The combination of new animal attractions and revised pricing strategy represents PMC's comprehensive approach to enhancing the zoo's appeal while ensuring its financial sustainability for future generations of visitors.
