Padmakshi hillocks to be developed into zoo park

The Forest Department has been thinking of acquiring the historic Padmakshi hillocks to expand the existing mini zoo Vana Vignana Kendra here in Hanamkonda.

According to sources, the district administration has in-principle agreed to give the land to the Forest Department. As large tracts of land have already been encroached upon, the decision in favour of the Forest Department would help protect the land and it can make good use of the same by developing it into a zoo park.

The hillocks spread over in about 45 acres would add to the existing 50-acre mini zoo. As the hillocks have natural rock formations that are nothing but adorable, it would add to the aesthetics of the place apart from accommodating more animal species and bird enclosures. The officials are also planning an exclusive Cacti garden on the hillocks.

Speaking to

The Hindu , Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Ch. Ganga Reddy explained that since the Warangal zoo was the second biggest after Hyderabad, it should be developed. The department was making all out efforts to develop it further by pooling more resources and infrastructure such as land.

According to him, the historic Padmakshi temple atop the hillocks would be open to tourists. The department would build a fence around the temple and devotees could visit it without any hassle like before.

“If we get more land, we can concentrate on accommodating more animals and their protection. This is our top priority. More land means more facilities,” he explained.

At present, the mini zoo is a home for 316 living creatures. “The black buck, neelgai, hog deer, barking deer and mouse deer are a hit among the visitors,” Mr. Ganga Reddy said, adding that they would soon acquire tigers once the Zoo Authority of India clears their request.