A Visit to the Bondla Zoo

The trek eventually led the feisty, adventurous group to the Bondla Zoo. This was my second visit to the zoo, after five odd years. But my visit this time was more memorable, perhaps the encounters with the wild in their enclosures were more worthwhile. 

Our entry to the zoo led us first to the leopard enclosure. But the spotted animal was no where in sight. Our patience did yield dividends, as the wait was not all that long, as he strode confidently in our direction, least bothered to the attention he was getting. While we took the opportunity of capturing the spotted beauty on our cameras, we also did enjoy a few fun pics.

Leopard - smile Pleaseee :) 

                                                   The Spotted Leopard 

                                      With 'The Cats' outside the enclosure :P

This was to continue through the zoo visitations. From the leopard enclosure, moving ahead and on the other side, there were a herd of the stately Gaur, the pride of of Goa and the State animal chewing on tall, leafy green leaves in another enclosure. 

Gaur - State Animal of Goa

                                                                      Gaurs - Video 

A little up, was the Royal Bengal Tiger on his rounds. Watching him in admiration up close, was an exhilarating experience. 

The Royal Bengal Tiger - Taking his paces 

Giving me the look !!

Now, it was time to move on to the reptiles. To start with was, the King Cobra who was quite the recluse.  

He did raise his hood a few times when he felt threatened. It reasoned that it had to take the posture of self-defense as it was being provoked by one of my friends, Naresh, who wanted to have a good glimpse of the charming reptile and capture on his lens the majestic anterior portion of its body in his utmost pride. 

                                                  Am the King of my ilk !!

                                                    Reptilian Brethren 

                                                               This is mah Hood !!


Ahead, was another separate enclosure for the python who was resting, and at a distance from the onlookers, staying in the shadow, thus away from the spotlight. 

                                                                   A resting Python ....

There was also a reptilian residence with a series of small enclosures housing different species of the slithery creatures. 

Moving out from the reptilian household, I came across another enclosure with a pair of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris)  in muggy waters. What is interesting to note about crocs is that while they live both in water and land, they are not classed as amphibians but reptiles. 

                                                               A pair of Mugger Crocs 

Nearby, were enclosures for the deers. From the Sambhar to the rare Four-Horned Antelope (Choursingha), they were so beautiful. 

                                           A herd of lunching Sambhars

                                                             A relaxed Choursingha 

The porcupine too was quite a spectacle with its quills taking to one's fancy. I remember one of my friends pick up one of these sharp spines at a private trek at Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary a couple of years back as a souvenir. And I was hoping for one too back then. 

                                                 Commandment No. 11: Thou shalt not touch !!

There were other marvels in enclosures as the bear and the peafowl which I did not get to see as we were instructed to have our lunch which was ready. Besides, I felt low, as my camera batteries were exhausted and I was unable to borrow a pair of functioning batteries. Also, I have sighted these creatures in the last one year, at the Byculla Zoo and in the wild at Dandeli respectively. 

An hour spent at the zoo though  was both, enjoyable and educative.