At This Uttarakhand Zoo, You Can Adopt Tigers, Birds, Fish, And More Animals; How Much It Costs

Across India, zoos are quietly moving beyond just being weekend picnic spots. The focus is shifting towards conservation and awareness, giving visitors a chance to be part of something meaningful. And right now, one such place grabbing attention for a truly innovative effort is the Dehradun Zoo. Here, animal lovers can adopt tigers, snakes, and more. Read on to learn how it works.

A viral Instagram video has put the spotlight on the zoo for a rather interesting reason. It shows a simple display board listing out “Adoption Rates” for different animals. And yes, it means you can actually adopt one, but not in the literal sense of taking them home. Rather, it's an opportunity to contribute to their care. The idea is innovative, but it's the pricing that has sparked curiosity and got people talking across social media.

Tiger, Leopard And Snake Prices Go Viral

It is not every day that you see a price tag next to a tiger in such a context, and that is exactly what made people stop scrolling. Right at the top, the biggest attraction is the cost of adopting a tiger for Rs 50,000, a leopard for Rs 25,000, and a snake for Rs 20,000. 

Check out the post here:

What Does Adopting An Animal Really Mean?

Before you confuse it with adopting a kitten, it is important to understand what adopting an animal in a zoo actually means. In this case, you don't get to take the animal home, and there is no physical ownership involved. It is more like sponsoring the animal's care. The money you spend goes towards its food, medical needs, and overall maintenance. In return, the zoo usually gives you a certificate, sometimes puts your name near the enclosure, and may even offer small perks like entry passes or invites.

Birds, Reptiles And More: Full Price Breakdown

The board in the viral video also shows a wide range of other animals and birds that visitors can choose from. The prices are quite varied, which means there's a perfect animal to adopt for every budget.

• Larger reptiles like crocodiles can be adopted for around Rs 15,000, while gharials and fish are listed at Rs 10,000.
• Turtles fall on the lower end at Rs 5,000, making them one of the more affordable options.
• Bird lovers have plenty of choices here. Peacocks, vultures, and owls are priced at around Rs 10,000.
• Some birds like macaws go up to Rs 15,000, while parrots and love birds are again closer to Rs 10,000.
• Smaller birds like budgerigars, cockatiels, and sun conures are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000.
• There are also more unique species, like golden, silver, and Lady Amherst pheasants, all available at around Rs 5,000. Even emus are part of the program at a similar price.
• Among mammals, animals like sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, and ghoral are all listed at Rs 5,000.

What stands out is how inclusive the pricing feels. You don't need a huge budget to be part of this.

All About Dehradun Zoo 

Dehradun Zoo is located near Malsi, at the foothills of the Shivalik range. With green and peaceful surroundings, every visit here feels relaxed and refreshing.

The zoo usually opens around 10 AM and closes by 5 PM and remains shut on Mondays. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Early mornings are also a good choice, as animals are more active during that time. Entry tickets are affordable, usually ranging between Rs 30 and 50.

How To Reach The Zoo

Reaching the Dehradun Zoo is quite simple, whether you are coming from within the city or from outside. Here are the easiest ways to get there:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located about 30 km away. From there, you can take a taxi to reach the zoo comfortably.
By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is the closest railhead. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi. From the station, autos and cabs are easily available.
By Road: The zoo is located near Malsi on Mussoorie Road. It is well connected by local roads, and you can easily reach it via cab, auto, or even a personal vehicle.
What makes this place stand out is not just the adoption program but the overall experience. With well-maintained buildings and green, open spaces, it is not overly crowded. Dehradun Zoo is one of those places that is easy to enjoy without much planning.