The Nawab of Lucknow, Wozid-Ali-Shah might have founded the zoo in Calcutta during his exile in MetiaBruz. The British took the initiative for this purpose in 1867.

Earlier, some doctor had made an attempt in this regard but it was not materialized. In 1873, the then Governor Sir Richard Temple proposed the formation of a zoo in Calcutta. Sir C.L. Lendal corroborated it. Finally, the Government allotted 45 acres of land for this purpose responding to the joint petition of The Asiatic Society and Agri-Horticultural Society. On 1st January, 1876, king Edward VII inaugurated the Alipur Zoo.

This is the largest zoo in India. It comprises several animals, birds and even creatures of rare species. The 'White Tiger', an almost extinct race, is the chief attraction of the zoo.

During the winter season, the migratory birds flock in the zoo for its artificial lake and vegetation. But in recent times the birds do not flock so much as the yester years due to ecological imbalances. 

There are some 'Bhawans' or buildings inside the premises of the zoo such as the Reptile-House. Different creatures dwell in these buildings as well.