Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as ‘Mysore Zoo’, is one of the oldest zoos of the country established in 1892, by His Highness, the erstwhile Ruler of Mysore Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar Bahadur. Mysore Zoo holds an important place in Karnataka. In 1909 the Palace Zoo was named as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens to commemorate the illustrious founder and since then it bears the nomenclature.

Mysore Zoo was started with an area of 10.9 Acres and during 1907 another 6.22 acre was added to the zoo. Subsequently the zoo was extended to 45 acres. A great visionary man Dr. M.H. Marigowda was instrumental in acquiring Kensington Gardens, along with famous Thandisadak from the palace and 5 acres of land towards western side including the road from C.I.T.B. Mysore. The Zoo area extended to 80.13 acres over a period of time. Government transferred 77.02 acres of Karanji Tank area to the Zoo during the year 1976.The master plan of Zoo covers 80.13 acres along with the 77.03 acres of Karanji Lake; right in the heart of Mysore city.