Zoological park

Nagaland Zoological Park in Dimapur (celebrated across Indian wildlife zoology as Nagaland's largest modern zoological facility, established in 2008 across 176 hectares of semi evergreen forest contiguous to Rangapahar Reserve Forest, recognized by CZA, world famous for its spacious natural open air safari enclosures, captive breeding of the Western Hoolock Gibbon (India's only ape species), Royal Bengal Tigers, Clouded Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, Mithun herds (Nagaland's state animal), Hornbills, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Asian Giant Tortoises, natural wetland lakes, and shaded walking tracks), located in Rangapahar in Dimapur in Nagaland, stands as Nagaland's supreme wildlife sanctuary.

Designed with modern zoo architecture principles emphasizing animal welfare, the park provides expansive, moated natural woodland enclosures rather than narrow cages, allowing animals to roam amidst natural vegetation and canopy cover.

It's the home of the Hoolock Gibbon treetop islands where acrobatic gibbons swing through the canopy calling out their distinctive morning duets, the expansive Mithun paddocks where massive indigenous bulls graze under giant timber trees, the tranquil natural wetland lakes attracting whistling ducks and storks, the shaded visitor rest pavilions surrounded by flowering shrubs, and an intensely peaceful, deeply refreshing wilderness atmosphere filled with birdsong and fresh forest air.

It represents a rich Nagaland wildlife conservation triumph, Northeast faunal education, and family eco tourism where open air carnivore habitats, gibbon islands, Mithun herds, and Dimapur nature tours unite in Nagaland Zoological Park.

Located in Rangapahar along Cantonment Road, it sits 6 km southwest of Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) and Airport (DMU), 8 km from Kachari Ruins, 14 km from Diezephe Craft Village, and 20 km from Triple Falls, easily reached in 15 minutes by local taxi or auto rickshaw.

The Hoolock Gibbon Island & Northeast Avian Sanctuaries

The park features a specialized water moated island enclosure dedicated to the Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), allowing these endangered primates to brachiate freely through high tree branches without wire mesh obstructions.

The aviary section houses notable birds of Northeast India including the Great Pied Hornbill, Blyth's Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous necked Hornbill, and diverse raptors.

Truth is, listening to the resonant morning calls of the gibbon pair echoing across the mist covered forest lakes is a thrilling experience.

The Sacred Mithun & Royal Bengal Tiger Safari Enclosures

The Indigenous Mithun Herd: Visitors can observe healthy herds of Mithun (gayal) grazing in open pastures, providing an educational look into the animal deeply woven into Naga social hierarchy and rituals.

Large Carnivore Habitats: Natural forested moats house Royal Bengal Tigers, Common Leopards, and Himalayan Black Bears with glass viewing galleries offering safe and close observation.

Dimapur Eco Tour & Zoological Day Itinerary

The Complete Wildlife Day Tour: Morning visit to ancient Kachari Ruins (8:30 AM to 9:45 AM) -> drive to Nagaland Zoological Park (10:15 AM to 1:30 PM: walk along gibbon island, tiger enclosures, deer paddocks & bird aviary) -> lunch in Dimapur town -> afternoon excursion to Diezephe Craft Village (3:00 PM to 4:45 PM) -> sunset view at Triple Falls (5:15 PM to 6:30 PM).

Walking & Battery Buggy Advice: Because the zoo covers 176 hectares with extensive walking circuits, battery operated eco rickshaws are available for senior citizens and young families.

After exploring the sprawling wilderness of Nagaland Zoological Park, visit Kachari Ruins, tour Diezephe Craft Village, or explore Triple Falls.