Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 13: In a move that has sparked mixed reactions from the public, the Karnataka government has approved a 20 percent hike in entry fees for two major zoos in the state – Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru and Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru. The decision comes after a long gap of five years without any fee revision.

At Bannerghatta Biological Park, the revised ticket prices will come into effect from August 1. The entry fee for adults will go up from Rs 100 to Rs 120, for children from Rs 50 to Rs 60, and for senior citizens from Rs 60 to Rs 70. The Safari Combo Pack will also see an increase — from Rs 350 to Rs 370 on weekdays and from Rs 400 to Rs 420 on weekends.

Surya Sen, executive director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said the park is an autonomous body and largely dependent on ticket sales for its functioning. He pointed out that the hike was necessary due to rising costs in animal feed, maintenance, and staff salaries. Although the park authority had sought a 50 percent hike, the government settled for a 20 percent increase.

Meanwhile, the decision has not gone down well with some tourists. Visitors coming from distant places to enjoy a day with wildlife expressed concern over the price hike, with some calling for government grants to maintain the park instead of burdening the public. Others supported the move, stating that the hike would help improve facilities and wildlife care.

In Mysuru, forest minister Eshwar B Khandre approved a similar 20 percent hike in entry fees at the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens during the 159th administrative board meeting of the Karnataka Zoo Authority. The proposal initially suggested a 50 percent hike, but Khandre felt it would be too steep and opted for a moderate increase. He, however, instructed that no additional fee should be charged for vehicle rentals within the zoo.

Khandre also dropped a proposal to build an aquarium at Karanji Kere and instead recommended developing the space as a penguin park based on expert suggestions. Additionally, he urged officials to enhance zoo facilities, explore international animal exchange programs, and work toward making the zoos self-sufficient within five years.

In a related development, the minister announced Rs 20 cr for a new exotic bird sanctuary in Bidar and Rs 2 cr for developing the zoo in Davangere. He emphasized the need for basic amenities like clean drinking water and restrooms at all zoos, while directing strict enforcement of the single-use plastic ban on zoo premises.

With two of Karnataka’s prominent zoos undergoing fee revisions and development plans, authorities say the move is aimed at improving visitor experience and ensuring better care for animals. However, with rising ticket prices, the pressure is now on the government to deliver enhanced services and facilities to justify the hike.