Opened in 1872, Lahore zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and the largest in Pakistan. it is the largest zoo in Pakistan. The Lahore zoo has expanded to 25 acres with around 3 million annual visitors and 135 different animal species. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions for people around the country.
Areas at Lahore Zoo
Lion House
This area of Lahore Zoo was built in 1872, consists of three buildings, and covers an area of 24,500 square feet. The first building is a house for Bengal tigers and pumas; the second has the zoo’s lions, while the third building is a house for black bears.
Elephant House
Considered one of Lahore zoo’s best attractions, this section had an African bush elephant, hippopotamus, and southern white rhinos. However, the only female African bush elephant died due to illness in 2016.
Fancy Bird Aviary
The zoo entrance has a large fancy bird aviary with around 200 gamebirds and different parrots. The end of the aviary is the home to juvenile, red-eared sliders, crocodiles, otters, tortoises, turtles, Indian flap shells, and Asiatic jackals.
Monkey House
This part of the zoo has several species of monkeys, including a family of the olive baboon, tufted capuchins, vervet monkeys, and mantled guerezas.
Waterfowl Lake
Located south of Fancy Aviary, this lake is home to numerous wading birds and waterfowl. Made of four islands, this part of the zoo has black swans, Lesser flamingos, Muscovy ducks, and Dalmatian pelicans.
Reptile House
This part of the zoo houses reptiles and other animals, including Indian pythons, Indian cobras, saw-scaled vipers, Sindh kraits, and Guinea pigs.
Chimpanzee House
This zoo section is extensive and has chimpanzees, and other animals like wolves, rhesus macaques, leopards, and swamp cats.
The zoo management brought the first pair of chimpanzees here in 1994, who gave birth to 3 more chimps. Out of all the chimps, only one is still alive today.
Urial Hillock
It is a naturally-formed hill in front of the Reptile house and is home to urials and mouflons.
Walk-through Aviary
Situated east of the Reptile house, this section houses Indian peafowl, demoiselle cranes, and pheasant species. However, tourists should know that this walk-through aviary is not included in the entrance ticket.
Chimpanzee Island
Situated on the south of waterfowl lake, this section primarily houses chimpanzees, but it now houses Himalayan brown bears due to their death.
Attractions at Lahore Zoo
Other famous attractions of Lahore zoo include horse riding, jumping castle, drawing competition, camel ride, mechanical elephant ride, face painting, guided tours, and gift shop that sells mugs, shirts, caps, bags, and posters.
It also has a cafeteria, mosque, public washrooms, drinking water coolers, benches, and many more.
