Overview

• The minister commissioned proposals to convert Mysuru’s longstanding aquarium into a dedicated Penguin Park and to prepare a detailed project report for a ₹20 crore aviary in Bidar.
• State allocated ₹2 crore from Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation funds for upgrades at Davangere Zoo as part of a five-year financial self-reliance goal.
• Entry fees at Mysuru’s Sri Chamarajendra Zoo and Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Zoo increased by 20 percent while safari tickets remain unchanged to balance rising care costs and visitor demand.
• All zoos must enhance visitor facilities with clean drinking water, separate restrooms and improved sanitation under new minimum standards.
• A strict ban on single-use plastics has been mandated across all zoo premises to reinforce environmental compliance.