Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday (May 8) released the official logo of the upcoming Kalaburagi Zoo and announced that the facility will soon be opened to the public.

The Kalaburagi Zoo, located near Madbool village in Chittapur taluk, has been constructed on a sprawling 42 acres and 38 guntas of land. The project received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) under the Wildlife Protection Act and obtained official recognition from the CZA, New Delhi, in March 2026.

Speaking after releasing the logo of zoo, Mr. Kharge said the zoo has been developed with modern infrastructure and comprehensive visitor facilities, including internal roads, parking systems, water supply, drainage networks, animal hospitals, quarantine facilities, public amenities, and children’s recreation areas.

The project has been developed with funding support from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), the Karnataka Zoo Authority, and the Forest Department, with an estimated investment of around ₹35 crore.

The zoo has been planned to accommodate 56 species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, nocturnal animals, herbivores, and primates, Mr. Kharge added.

Officials said that enclosures for lions, tigers, zebras, crocodiles, bears, , jackals, deer, turtles, and various bird species have already been completed, and work on the canteen, amphitheatre, interpretation centre, and landscaping are currently in progress.

Several animals, including turtles, crocodiles, emus, peacocks, parrots, jackals, and blackbucks, have already been shifted to the new zoo, while additional species, including lions, tigers, king cobras, and zebras, will be relocated in phases over the coming months.

The zoo will remain open from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and will remain closed every Tuesday.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Sumit Patil said the zoo is expected to become a major tourism and wildlife attraction in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

Explaining the operational framework behind the development of the Kalaburagi Zoo, Mr. Patil detailed the systematic process being followed for animal relocation and enclosure development.

He said each animal is being shifted only after ensuring full compliance with safety, habitat suitability, and regulatory standards prescribed by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The process includes careful planning of species-specific cages, veterinary checks, and stress-free transportation protocols.

The officer explained that enclosures are designed based on the natural behaviour and habitat needs of each species. Before shifting any animal, dedicated cages are prepared with proper ventilation, safety features, and space to reduce stress during relocation.

He said that animal shifting is being carried out in a phased manner, ensuring that newly constructed enclosures are fully ready before any transfer takes place. Veterinary teams and trained forest staff are continuously monitoring the health and adaptation of animals during the transition process.