Miao Mini Zoo
Gateway to Namdapha's Fauna::The Miao Mini Zoo was established in 1979 and occupies a small area of 1.74 hectares right in the town, serving primarily as a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured or orphaned animals, particularly those recovered from the nearby vast Namdapha National Park. It a cts as a crucial educational and conservation facility, especially for local school children, allowing them to see some of the region's diverse fauna up close, which they might not encounter in the dense, inaccessible national park. Its specialized display focuses on various local species, including different types of primates like the endemic Hoolock Gibbons (the only ape species found in India) and several species of langurs, alongside local hornbills and small carnivores. While small, the zoo's mission is vital for raising local awareness about wildlife protection and its proximity to the Miao Museum makes it a convenient, informative stop for tourists before they venture into the deep jungle. It is managed by the same authority as the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, emphasizing its conservation role.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours:Place Type:
Wildlife & Educational::Mini ZooEntry Fees:
Very Nominal Fee::
The entry fee is very minimal: Rs.5/- per Adult per head, with School Children getting Free Entry. The facility currently does not offer online booking. The nominal fee reflects its primary function as an educational and con...Very Nominal Fee::
The entry fee is very minimal: Rs.5/- per Adult per head, with School Children getting Free Entry. The facility currently does not offer online booking. The nominal fee reflects its primary function as an educational and conservation center rather than a large commercial tourist attraction. These fees directly contribute to the maintenance of the facility and the feeding and care of the animals, which are often rescued or orphaned from the forest, making the low cost an excellent investment in local conservation efforts.Timing:
Mid-Morning Best for Sightings::
Regular Timings: The zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed every Tuesday (Weekly Closure Day).
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9:30 AM to 11:00 AM) right afte...Mid-Morning Best for Sightings::
Regular Timings: The zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed every Tuesday (Weekly Closure Day).
Ideal Visit Time: Late Morning (9:30 AM to 11:00 AM) right after opening is the best time for animal sightings and activity, as they are often fed and are more active; the Mid-Afternoon can be quieter.
Best Season: October to February (Winter) offers the most comfortable temperature for walking around and for the animals to be active, as the heat is lower than during the humid summers.Special Events:
Wildlife Awareness Day::The zoo regularly participates in events like Wildlife Week (October) and World Environment Day (June 5th), where special educational programs, nature talks, and awareness campaigns are held, often featuring local tribal leaders and forest officials. ...Wildlife Awareness Day::The zoo regularly participates in events like Wildlife Week (October) and World Environment Day (June 5th), where special educational programs, nature talks, and awareness campaigns are held, often featuring local tribal leaders and forest officials. These events are aimed at educating the local community and visitors about the importance of protecting the Namdapha Tiger Reserve and its unique inhabitants, often involving free entry for students and special guided tours from the zoo staff.Best Photo Spots:
Primate Portraits::
Hoolock Gibbon Portrait: A clean shot focusing on the expressive face and unique coat of the Hoolock Gibbon (if they are visible), which is the star attraction.
Bird Enclosure Details: Clos...Primate Portraits::
Hoolock Gibbon Portrait: A clean shot focusing on the expressive face and unique coat of the Hoolock Gibbon (if they are visible), which is the star attraction.
Bird Enclosure Details: Close-ups of the colorful feathers of the local hornbills or pheasants housed in the aviaries.
Informational Context: A photograph capturing the educational signboards in the foreground with a glimpse of an animal enclosure in the background, emphasizing the zoo's conservation role.
The Entrance Sign: A photo of the entrance gate and the official signboard, serving as proof of the visit to this remote wildlife center.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Learning and
Photography::
Wildlife Viewing: Observe the behavior of various primates, like the Hoolock Gibbon and different langurs, and other local bird species, which are its specialized display animals.
Photography: Practice wildlife photography (from a distance, without flash) focusing on the unique features of the regional fauna.
Educational Visit: Read the informational signs to learn about the conservation status and ecological role of the animals in the Namdapha ecosystem; this is highly recommended for school children.
Combined Tour: Visit the nearby Miao Museum, which is often part of the same complex or very close by, to learn about the history and culture that surrounds the wildlife.
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
Home of the Hoolock Gibbon::The zoo is famous for being a convenient and accessible place to see some of the signature wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh and the Namdapha region, most notably the highly endangered Hoolock Gibbon, the only ape found in India. Its fame is also due...Home of the Hoolock Gibbon::The zoo is famous for being a convenient and accessible place to see some of the signature wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh and the Namdapha region, most notably the highly endangered Hoolock Gibbon, the only ape found in India. Its fame is also due to its location in the heart of Miao, making it a quick and educational visit for those who cannot undertake the long and strenuous treks into the Namdapha core area. It serves as a visual primer for the region's biodiversity, allowing tourists and locals alike to connect with the animals that call the nearby jungles home. For researchers and conservationists, it’s a critical facility for the temporary care and study of rescued wildlife before release or permanent care. -
Architecture:
Functional Educational Sanctuary::
Design Philosophy: The zoo's architecture is functional, focused on housing local and regional fauna, designed to prioritize safety and basic animal welfare within a limited space. The enclosures are typical...Functional Educational Sanctuary::
Design Philosophy: The zoo's architecture is functional, focused on housing local and regional fauna, designed to prioritize safety and basic animal welfare within a limited space. The enclosures are typically simple, cage-like structures, with an area of 1. 74 Hectares total, built to contain the animals while allowing for public viewing.
Dimension: Due to its classification as a 'Mini Zoo,' the overall footprint is compact. The enclosures are designed to display small- to medium-sized animals, particularly primates and birds.
Key Features: The site is well-defined with walking paths and signage for visitor guidance. Visitor facilities include a visitors' shed, drinking water, and toilets. The main focus is the conservation and display of unique local species, such as the Hoolock Gibbon. The architecture reflects a utility-first approach common to small-scale conservation centers, with a focus on education rather than elaborate landscaping. -
How To Reach:
Central Town Location::
By Air: Nearest airport is Dibrugarh (DIB), 158 KMS away; hire a taxi to Miao.
By Train: Nearest railway stations are New Tinsukia (115 KMS) or Margherita (65 KMS); hire a taxi to Mia... -
Near Tourist Places:
Miao Museum (0. 5 KMS), Miao Town Baptist Church (1 KM), Noa-Dihing River Banks (1. 5 KMS), Choephelling Tibetan Settlement Camp (4 KMS), Namdapha National Park Entrance (26 KMS), 32nd Mile Watchtower (30 KMS), Donyi Polo Water Fall (25 KMS), Kharsang (29 KMS), Margherita (Assam, 65 KMS), Jairampur (50 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Respect the Animals::
Health & Safety: Stick to the marked paths; do not feed the animals, and do not put hands near the cages.
Packing: Bring a good zoom lens for photography and drinking water.
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