Nainital (Uttarakhand), Jan. 7 ): The high altitude zoo in Nainital, situated at 2,075 meters above the sea-level, is fast becoming a major fascination for tourists visiting the picturesque region.

Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo is one of its kinds, which provides a safe haven to the rare Himalayan Black Bears, snow leopards, and Siberian Tigers and other high altitude fauna.

"It was a pleasant experience because of the natural environment of this place. Also the zoo is managed and maintained effectively. All the animals and birds are under efficient care," said Khushbu Gupta, a tourist.

Zoo authorities, while utilizing the available topography and geography of the region have developed facilities for animals and birds on the hilly sides of the location.

Spread over 4.693 hectares of land, the zoo ensures adequate facilities to the animals to restored their natural habitat intact.

"The Nainital zoo is one of the three high altitude zoos in India. The other two zoos are in Darjeeling and Shimla. The animals which are found particularly in higher altitudes, like Snow leopard, Siberian tigers, Himalayan black bears, Tibetan wolf and different types of pheasants, which are not found in the zoos situated in plain regions, can be noticed here. Since this environment suits them," said Harish Joshi, Range Officer, High Altitude Zoo.

The authorities here have also planned to begin breeding of snow leopards.

In Darjeeling, breeding of snow leopards has already started in the 'Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP)', which has been active and successful in breeding endangered snow leopards.

Reportedly, over 100,000 tourists visited 'Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo' last years (2007) which is expected to increase many folds this year
(2008). (ANI)