The Zoological Garden in Kolkata is the largest zoo in India, sprawling over an area of approximately 100 acres. Located on Belvedere Road, it was officially established in 1876 and houses a diverse collection of birds, animals, and reptiles. The zoo has become a key center for wildlife conservation and public education in the country.

The origin of the zoo dates back to 1873 when then-Governor Sir Richard Temple proposed its creation, with support from Sir C.L. Lendal. In response to a joint petition from the Asiatic Society and the Agri-Horticultural Society, the government allotted land for the project. The zoo was inaugurated on January 1, 1876, by King Edward VII. It is credited with reviving the rare Manipur Brow Antlered Deer from near extinction and was the first in the world to successfully breed giraffes. The zoo also conducted unique crossbreeding experiments resulting in tigons and litigons. Its artificial lake attracts numerous migratory birds annually, adding to its ecological significance.