Zoos and wildlife parks in Pakistan are more than places to see animals. They’re living classrooms, conservation outposts, and (for many families) the venue of weekend laughter and first encounters with creatures that seem to arrive straight out of storybooks. Below is a tour of the best-known, publicly accessible zoos and wildlife areas in Pakistan, what makes each special, practical tips for visitors, and a short note about conservation efforts that deserve attention.
Lahore Zoo — history, breadth, and the classic city outing
Lahore Zoo sits on Mall Road and is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most visited zoos. Established in the 19th century, it has grown into a large, central city attraction with hundreds of animals and several distinct exhibits, from an aviary to the long-standing big-cat enclosures. For many people across generations, Lahore Zoo is where afternoon school trips and relaxed weekend strolls intersect. Its long history shows in old brick structures, wide tree-lined paths and the steady hum of local visitors.
Practical note: the zoo is run under provincial authority and posts its opening hours and ticket information publicly; it typically opens in the morning until sunset. Recent official sources list animal numbers in the many hundreds and describe specialized houses (elephant, giraffe, bird aviary) as part of the regular visitor experience.
Why go: central location, a huge variety of species, and an atmosphere that mixes historic charm with the everyday energy of Lahore families. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays, early mornings are usually calmer.
Lahore Safari / Safari Park — a different pace and a more open feel
Near Lahore (and often spoken of alongside the main Lahore Zoo) is the Lahore Safari or Safari Park, a more open, park-like facility where some animals are kept in larger enclosures and the emphasis is on a semi-wild experience. It’s a good choice when the mood calls for more space, picnic spots, and the possibility of seeing animals in settings that feel less cramped than traditional zoo cages.
Visitors remark that the safari vibe and larger grounds are a welcome change for a long day out, though maintenance and visitor amenities can vary over time; checking recent reports or social pages before visiting is recommended.
Karachi Zoological & Botanical Garden (Karachi Zoo) — the city classic
Karachi Zoo, sometimes called Gandhi Garden or Karachi Zoological & Botanical Garden, is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Pakistan. Set in a busy slice of Karachi, it has long served as a green refuge for city dwellers. The zoo’s sprawling grounds include botanical areas, ponds with paddle-boats, and long-established animal enclosures. The municipal website and historical summaries note its origins in the late 19th century and its role as a major public garden and wildlife collection in Sindh.
Why go: nostalgia and history meet family-friendly activities. It’s one of the few urban green lungs in Karachi where children can see big mammals and birds up close.
Peshawar Zoo — modern, compact, and regionally important
Peshawar Zoo opened more recently and represents an effort to bring a modern zoo to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Smaller than Lahore or Karachi’s facilities, it nevertheless offers a good cross-section of large mammals and regional species — from big cats to hoofed animals — and is run by the provincial forest and wildlife authorities. For families in the northwest, it’s become a popular destination for day trips and school visits.
Visitor tip: because Peshawar Zoo is relatively new, it often benefits from clearer pathways and newer facilities; still, plan for standard visitor comforts (water, shaded rest stops) during hot months.
Ayub National Park (including its zoo section) — Rawalpindi’s green giant
Ayub National Park, in Rawalpindi, is best known as a vast urban park with lakes, gardens, and recreational facilities — but it also includes a zoo component and family attractions like boating and small amusement rides. The park is a popular weekend destination for the twin cities (Islamabad-Rawalpindi area) and gives visitors a mix of open green space with the convenience of an on-site zoo.
Why go: it’s perfect for a mixed day out — half picnic and boating, half animal watching — and tends to be especially lively when the weather is pleasant.
Changa Manga Forest & Wildlife Park — conservation, trains, and vulture work
Changa Manga is not a traditional city zoo but a large man-made forest west of Lahore that includes wildlife-conservation activities and a small wildlife park. Notably, the site hosts a vulture conservation program (part of regional efforts to save critically endangered vulture species) and supports a number of native mammals and birds in a semi-natural reserve. Changa Manga offers a different kind of wildlife experience — one rooted in habitat, conservation breeding and forest walks rather than classic zoo exhibits.
Why go: the forest setting, the tiny tourist train through the trees, and the chance to learn about real conservation projects — particularly the vulture program — make it a meaningful visit for nature-minded travelers.
The Islamabad/Marghazar situation — closure, reform, and the conservation pivot
A quick but important update for people who remember an old, large “Islamabad Zoo” near Pir Sohawa: that facility (often called Marghazar Zoo) was closed to the public several years ago amid legal and welfare concerns. The Islamabad High Court and later the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board ordered transfers and changes with an eye toward turning the location into a proper wildlife management and conservation centre rather than a conventional city zoo. Readers planning trips to the capital should check current local sources for the latest status: the old zoo structure has been the focus of renovation and a rethinking of how animals are housed and cared for.
Why this matters: closures and reforms reflect a broader shift in Pakistan (and worldwide) away from mere exhibition and toward welfare, rescue, and conservation roles for animal facilities.
What to expect at Pakistan’s zoos — practical tips and respectful behavior
- Timing: Weekends and school holidays bring big crowds. Early mornings are usually quieter. Many zoos open at 9:00 a.m. and close around sunset, but check official sites or social pages for the latest timings.
- Tickets and costs: Entry fees tend to be modest compared with international zoos; ticket details are published by the respective zoo authorities.
- Comfort: Pakistan’s climate can be hot; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. In Punjab’s winter months, air quality can sometimes be poor — and authorities have in the past restricted access to outdoor spaces during hazardous pollution events — so it’s wise to check air-quality alerts before visiting.
- Respectful visit: Don’t feed animals unless a staff member explicitly allows and supervises feeding. Avoid tapping on glass, throwing objects into enclosures, or loud, prolonged shouting — both for animal welfare and for the safety and comfort of other visitors.
Conservation: small victories and a long road ahead
Zoos and wildlife parks in Pakistan are increasingly seen as partners in conservation. Programs such as vulture protection at Changa Manga show how a local facility can connect to international efforts to preserve endangered species. At the same time, legal reforms around places like the old Islamabad Zoo show public and judicial pressure for better welfare standards. The future of Pakistan’s animal facilities ideally leans toward rescue, re-homing, rehabilitation, and breeding programs for threatened native species, not only display.
Final thoughts — which one to choose for your next visit?
- For history and breadth: Lahore Zoo is the classic choice. Expect a big collection and a central-city vibe.
- For a city green escape with family activities: Karachi Zoo offers nostalgia, gardens and a botanical side to the zoo experience.
- For modern facilities in the northwest: Peshawar Zoo is compact and regionally important.
- For conservation and a forest day: Changa Manga blends habitat, a small wildlife park and serious vulture work.
- For a mixed park + zoo day: Ayub National Park in Rawalpindi is perfect for families who want variety.
Wherever the next outing leads, the best approach is the same: go curious, be gentle with the animals, take photos that tell a story (not photos that exploit), and support institutions that show real care for the creatures they house. There is joy in seeing a child’s face light up when a peacock spreads its tail; there is also responsibility — improving animal welfare, and supporting conservation programs — that visitors, officials, and communities share.