Lalbagh's Aviary: A Remnant of the Garden's Forgotten Zoological Legacy

Lalbagh, Bengaluru's renowned botanical garden, is known today for its lush greenery and unique architectural landmarks. However, over a century ago, the garden was also home to a thriving zoo and aviary, housing a diverse collection of captive animals.

According to historical records, the first trace of animals being kept in Lalbagh dates back to 1862, when a black panther was purchased during the superintendence of William New. By 1874, under the leadership of John Cameron, the garden had an established aviary as well. One of the last physical remnants of this zoological past is the circular aviary structure, which experts estimate to be around 150 years old.

Lalbagh's early animal collection was quite impressive, ranging from loris and anteaters to a hyena cub and even an orangutan, which was a popular attraction for visitors. However, the zoo's management was not without its challenges, as evidenced by incidents like tigers and bears escaping their enclosures.

By 1920, most of the wildlife had been transferred to the Mysore Zoo, and Lalbagh's focus shifted primarily to its horticultural endeavors. Today, the circular aviary, which was later used as an aquarium, stands as a unique architectural remnant of the garden's forgotten zoological past.