Pilikula Zoo Biological Park ಪಿಲಿಕುಳ ಜೈವಿಕ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ Nisargadhama, Mangalore Karnataka

Pilikula zoo Biological Park ಪಿಲಿಕುಳ ಜೈವಿಕ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ Nisargadhama ನಿಸರ್ಗಧಾಮ Mangalore ಮಂಗಳೂರು Karnataka Kannada
Pilikula Development Authority (Pilikula) is a major eco-education and tourism development project promoted by the District Administration of Dakshina Kannada in the beautiful city of Mangaluru in Karnataka State, India.

An integrated theme park with a wide variety of features, Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational and scientific interest. The park is spread over an area of 370 acres comprising of a tropical forest and the enchanting Pilikula Lake. The project presently includes a Biological Park, Arboretum, a Science Centre, a Lake Park with Boating Centre, a Water Amusement Park and a Golf Course. Other features which are currently being developed include a Heritage Village, an Ayurveda Health Therapy Centre and Tourist Cottages
‘Pilikula’ derives its name from ‘Pilikula Lake’ which is today one of the major attractions of the project.
According to local legend, the lake was once a haunt of tigers. Hence it got to be called ‘Pilikula’ which means ‘Tiger Pond’.

Prior to the Pilikula project, the Pilikula Lake, which was once a large water body, had degenerated into becoming a small pond and was on the verge of being lost completely.
Biological Park is established in Pilikula Nisarga Dhama has major focus on the wildlife species of Western Ghats. The park is named as Dr. Shivaram Karnath Biological Park. The park consists of an area of 82 hectares.

In accordance with prevailing laws, the central Zoo Authority of India has recognized the park. As per modern Zoological practices, the animal enclosures have been designed to closely resemble its natural habitat.

The park has a Veterinary hospital with operation theatre, diagnostic lab and other facilities like treatment squeezers, close observation cages, and hand raring facilities for young ones, tranquilizing guns and drugs, Proper underground drainage facility is provided for enclosures.

Pilikula Zoo has been classified as a Major Zoo by the Central Zoo Authority of India. It is the only zoo recognized as a breeding centre for King Cobras. It is also functioning as a rescue centre for wounded wild life. Today Pilikula Zoo has 400 animals, reptiles and birds and most of the species are breeding.

Pilikula organizes a number of training and awareness programmes for teachers, students etc., for the conservation of Bio-diversity, Heritage and Culture. However for the development, maintenance and for various programmes, it entirely depends on local revenue and donations. It incurs huge cost on feeding, medicines, shelters, management etc. Therefore it needs support from the public to maintain and develop as one of the best Zoos of our country. Amazingly, Pilikula has been made possible by generous people who understand the need & benefit of conserving biodiversity and cultural heritage and have come forward with financial resources as well as personal involvement.

Now, Pilikula has launched a programme of “Adoption of Animals”. In this programme the donor can adopt an animal by donating its cost of feeding, medicine, maintenance etc. During this period, the donor along with family members will have unlimited free entry in Pilikula, personal invitation for all the programmes of Pilikula, guided tour of Pilikula by a personal guide, discounts on all purchases made in Pilikula shops, regular Email updates on developments in Pilikula etc. Names of the donors will also be displayed near enclosures. All donations given to Pilikula are treated as charitable donations exempted from Income Tax under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.