Tata Zoo to add new species by early 2025: Chanakya Chaudhary
Jamshedpur, Dec 21: A new Butterfly Arena was inaugurated on Saturday at Tata Steel Zoological Park (TSZP) by Chanakya Chaudhary, President, Tata Steel Zoological Society cum Vice President, Tata Steel in presence of Rituraj Sinha, MD, Tata Steel UISL, Abhijit Avinash Nanoti, Managing Director, JCAPCPL (Jamshedpur Continuous Annealing & Processing Company Private Limited) besides esteemed gathering of dignitaries and employees.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to celebrate the beauty and ecological importance of the species.
In a heart-warming gesture, Chanakya Chaudhary requested Malti Manjhi, one of the zoo’s dedicated keepers, to perform the ceremonial ribbon-cutting as an honour.
The inauguration marked the release of several butterfly species, accompanied by an informative video presentation about butterflies and their life cycles.
Speaking on the occasion, Chanakya Chaudhary highlighted the rich biodiversity of the Kolhan region, which is home to 75 different butterfly species and 15 seasonal varieties. He emphasized the educational value of the Butterfly Zone, especially for school children visiting during the winter vacation. “Children will not only learn about butterflies but will also witness their life cycle from larva to adulthood,” he remarked.
Tata Steel VP further said, “This is another milestone in our efforts to restructure the zoo at par with international standard and as per revised Master Plan”.
The Butterfly Arena is part of Tata Steel Zoological Park’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its offerings.
“New enclosures are being developed every 2-3 months, and animals and birds are regularly added or exchanged with other zoos. The park plans to introduce more new species by early 2025 under its exchange program,” Chaudhary added.
The newly constructed butterfly park built at a cost of ₹1.76 crore, was completed in just eight months. It features a state-of-the-art facility with a butterfly viewing area, breeding zone, and an education center to promote awareness about butterfly conservation.
The Butterfly House is divided into three main sections: the Education Centre (102 m²), the Butterfly Breeding Area (175 m²), and the Butterfly Exhibit Area (410 m²).
Temperature control systems have been installed, and dedicated staffs have been appointed to ensure the growth and sustainability of the butterfly population.
The new park showcases 41 butterfly species, with 7 species currently breeding on-site. The zoo has developed expertise in breeding and propagating eleven butterfly species, including the Plain Tiger, Common Crow, Lime Butterfly, Common Mormon, and others. Efforts are ongoing to breed additional species.
This facility replaces the older butterfly park, which began operation in 2008 but was revamped as part of the park’s development initiatives.
The event concluded with a guided tour of the Butterfly House, allowing guests to explore the lush landscapes and colourful butterfly species within. The butterfly house is not only a new addition to the zoo but also a space for learning, inspiration, and connecting with nature.
Briefs of Butterfly House and general information
- Project Cost: 1.76 Cr
- Completion time: 8 months
- The Butterfly House has three main components: (a) Education Centre – 102 m2 area (b) Butterfly Breeding Area – 175 m2 area (c) Butterfly Exhibit Area- 410 m2
- 41 species of butterflies have identified inside the Zoo boundary out of which 7 species are breeding at TSZP.
- The zoo has developed expertise and skills in breeding and propagation of eleven species of butterfly e.g. plain tiger, common crow, common castor, angled castor, lime butterfly, common mormon, common jay, common emigrant, mottled emigrant, common grass yellow and small grass yellow.
- Efforts are being done for breeding of other species.
- With the establishment of this Butterfly House, it will now be possible to replenish the species of butterflies in their habitat and help the ecosystem rejuvenate by itself inside & outside TSZP.
- Butterflies completed their life-cycle in four distinct stages; egg, larva, pupa and adult butterfly. Generally, larva hatch after about 3 to 4 days depending on the surrounding temperature. The pupa moulds from the larva it takes time about 7 to 9 days, adult butterfly come out from the pupa in about 7 to 15 days.
- The average life span of a butterfly is 15 to 20 days. Therefore, the total time taken to complete the life-cycle from birth to death is about 35 to 40 days.
- In the stage of egg and pupa no foods require. The larva feed on the leaves and flower of the specific larval food plants and for adult butterfly they feed on the nectar of the flowers.
- Important factor of Butterfly Park are Feeding, Breeding, Sanitation and Temperature- Humidity.
- Feeding, as the food require to larva and adult only in the life-cycle of butterflies. The potted larva-food-plants are changed frequently because the larvae are very voracious eater. Important feeding plants are Curry leaf plant, Nimbu. Citrus species, Lantana, Kaner, Neem, Akwan, Blood flower, Arandi, etc.
- Butterflies are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems.
- Butterflies are an important element of the food chain and are prey for birds, bats and other insectivorous animals.
- Butterflies support a range of other predators and parasites, many of which are specific to individual species or groups of species.
