Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta Zoo to add 10 exotic animals, introduces EVs for wildlife safaris

In an effort to reduce pollution inside the park, the government has also introduced electric vehicles for the safari. (Credit: @ChristinMP_/Image)

The Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru is set to welcome 10 new animal species in the coming months, including exotic animals like the chimpanzee, hunting cheetah, and jaguar, Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre announced during the launch of the country's first electric bus safari at the park on Wednesday.

Khandre shared that within the next four to five months, the zoo will receive hunting cheetahs and capuchin monkeys from a South American country. These animals are being brought in under an exchange programme involving animals from India. The zoo also plans to introduce a chimpanzee, a jaguar, and a puma, along with a few more species, Khandre said. With these additions, the total number of animal species on display at the Bannerghatta zoo will rise to nearly 115.

Bengalurus Bannerghatta Biological Park becomes Indias first to trial an electric safari bus - a 22-seater EKA Mobility 7M with a 100 kWh battery and 160 km range.@eshwar_khandre@SuryaSenpic.twitter.com/fz5W9vTTYJ

ChristinMathewPhilip (@ChristinMP_) June 18, 2025

In an effort to reduce pollution inside the park, the government has also introduced electric vehicles for the safari. This marks the first time electric vehicles are being used for wildlife safaris in India, The Indian Express reported.

The new electric bus launched is a 22-seater powered by a 100 kWh battery. It can operate for around 60 kilometres or complete eight trips on just a two-hour charge. “Currently, one bus is in operation. By 2027, the entire fleet will be free of fossil fuel-powered vehicles, with the exception of tractors and similar vehicles,” The Indian Express quoted Khandre as saying.

The park is already seeing record footfall. In May alone, it recorded 2.58 lakh visitors, with the leopard safari emerging as a major attraction. However, this rise in popularity has also led to traffic congestion on weekends. To address this, the government plans to introduce a smart parking system, with a tender to be floated soon.

Additionally, there are plans to build a large public aquarium near the park. A detailed project report will be prepared and tenders will be invited for the construction in the near future, Khandre said.