Kohima Zoo

Kohima Zoo near Kohima (celebrated globally across Himalayan wildlife zoology as Nagaland's premier wildlife preservation sanctuary, established across terraced slopes of a hill basin at 1,440 meters, world famous for its captive breeding program of the endangered Blyth's Tragopan pheasant (Nagaland's state bird), semi domesticated Mithun (Nagaland's state animal), Clouded Leopards, Golden Cats, Himalayan Black Bears, Barking Deer, Great Indian Hornbills, tiered hillside walking trails, and sweeping valley views), located on the scenic northern ridge of Kohima in Nagaland, stands as Nagaland's supreme high altitude wildlife attraction.

Unlike conventional flat terrain zoos in urban cities, Kohima Zoo was built entirely on the natural slope of a steep hill, using deep natural gorges and forested gullies as natural open air enclosures for montane animals.

It's the home of the specialized Blyth's Tragopan aviary where male pheasants display brilliant crimson red and spotted golden plumage during spring, the shaded enclosures of the rare Clouded Leopard lounging on mossy branches, the massive bovine Mithuns grazing peacefully on wild bamboo shoots, the cascading mountain streams that flow naturally through the zoo valley, and an intensely peaceful, deeply refreshing mountain forest atmosphere filled with the calls of jungle fowls and pine scented mountain breezes.

It represents a rich Nagaland montane biodiversity heritage, wildlife conservation triumphs, and family eco tourism where Blyth's Tragopans, Mithun herds, Clouded Leopards, and Kohima nature walks unite in Kohima Zoo.

Located on the northern outskirts of Kohima town near High Court junction, it sits 5 km from Kohima Peace Market, 72 km from Dimapur Railway Station (DMV) and Airport (DMU), 16 km from Kisama Heritage Village, and 24 km from Khonoma, easily reached in 15 minutes by local taxi or private vehicle.

The Blyth's Tragopan Breeding Center & State Bird

The zoo has achieved global recognition for its specialized breeding center dedicated to the vulnerable Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii), successfully raising healthy chicks in climate controlled aviaries replicating their sub alpine Barail forest habitat.

Visitors can also spot other notable northeast avian treasures including the Rufous necked Hornbill, Kalij Pheasant, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, and colorful hill mynas.

Truth is, observing the colorful crimson throat pouch of a male Blyth's Tragopan puffing up during morning display will leave birdwatchers spellbound.

The Sacred Mithun & Himalayan Hillside Fauna

The Sacred Naga Mithun: The zoo maintains a dedicated paddock for the indigenous Mithun (gayal), an bovine species that holds deep economic, social, and spiritual significance across Naga festivals and bride price customs.

Montane Carnivores: The forested hillside enclosures house Asiatic black bears, leopard cats, wild boars, sambar deer, and slow lorises living amidst natural oak and rhododendron vegetation.

Kohima Nature & Eco Tour Day Plan

The Eco Exploration Day Plan: Morning visit to Kohima Zoo (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM: explore Tragopan aviary, Mithun paddocks & hillside forest trails) -> drive to Kohima War Cemetery (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) -> lunch at local café -> afternoon trip to Khonoma Green Village (2:00 PM to 5:30 PM: village walk & stepped paddy terraces) -> return to Kohima for dinner.

Walking & Footwear Advice: Because the zoo is constructed along a steep mountain ridge, visiting requires climbing paved staircases and steep pathways; comfortable sports shoes with strong traction are strongly recommended.

After exploring the mountain wildlife of Kohima Zoo, visit Kohima War Cemetery, tour Kisama Heritage Village, or explore Khonoma Green Village.