Pakistan’s diverse wildlife, ranging from the elusive snow leopard in the northern mountains to the Indus River dolphin in the southern wetlands, offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to connect with the country’s rich biodiversity. Zoos across Pakistan provide a window into this natural heritage, serving as educational hubs and conservation centers despite ongoing debates about animal welfare standards. Drawing from recent insights and visitor feedback, here’s a curated list of the top wildlife zoos in Pakistan that you must visit in 2025. These destinations offer a mix of family-friendly outings and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation, though some challenges remain in ensuring optimal care for the animals.
1. Lahore Zoo – A Historic Gem in the Cultural Hub
Established in 1872, Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a beloved attraction in Pakistan’s cultural capital. Spanning 25 acres, it houses over 136 species, including 45 mammals like lions and tigers, 82 bird species, and 8 types of reptiles. The zoo’s lush greenery makes it a relaxing spot for families, and its annual visitor count of 4.5 million reflects its popularity. However, recent visitor reviews highlight mixed experiences—while children enjoy the play areas and feeding the animals, some note the absence of the zoo’s famous elephant, Suzi, who passed away in 2017, and express concerns over outdated enclosures.
- Why Visit: Its historical significance and diverse species, including rare Bengal tigers, make it a must-see.
- How to Make the Most of It: Bring your own water and snacks, as facilities can be limited. Guides are available for a small fee to enhance your tour.
- Challenges: Animal welfare concerns, such as small cages and lack of companionship for some animals, raise questions about the zoo’s alignment with modern conservation standards.
2. Karachi Zoo – The Largest Zoo in Pakistan
Located in Garden West, Karachi, this zoo—also known as Karachi Zoological and Botanical Gardens—has been a staple since 1878, making it the second oldest in the country. As the largest zoo in Pakistan, it spans 33 acres and features a wide array of animals, including zebras, giraffes, and an aquarium with exotic fish. A natural history museum on-site adds an educational element, making it a favorite for school trips. Visitors appreciate the variety but often mention cleanliness issues, with some describing the zoo as “smelly” and parking as “risky” due to overcrowding.
- Why Visit: Its size and diversity, including marine exhibits, offer a comprehensive wildlife experience.
- How to Make the Most of It: Visit early to avoid crowds, and explore the aquarium and museum for a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s biodiversity.
- Challenges: Overcrowding and poor maintenance detract from the experience, and animal welfare standards need improvement to meet global expectations.
3. Jungle Kingdom (Jungle World Theme Park and Zoo) – A Modern Family Destination
Situated in Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi, Jungle Kingdom combines a zoo with an amusement park, making it a top pick for families in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The zoo boasts large carnivores like white tigers, Bengal tigers, and African lions, alongside native species. A 2024 survey of zoo visitors highlighted its appeal as a place for “relaxation” (74.3% agreed) and “fun” (70.4%), with free buggy rides and knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience. However, some visitors feel the focus on entertainment overshadows conservation efforts.
- Why Visit: The blend of wildlife and family-friendly rides, plus its central location, makes it a convenient outing.
- How to Make the Most of It: Opt for the buggy ride to cover more ground, and try the food stalls offering local snacks like chaat.
- Challenges: The emphasis on amusement may dilute its conservation mission, and toilet cleanliness has been flagged as an issue.
4. Peshawar Zoo – A New Addition with Potential
Opened in 2018, Peshawar Zoo is the first zoo in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one of the largest in Pakistan, covering 29 acres. It features a variety of animals, including lions and birds, and aims to be a dedicated wildlife space. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and the novelty of seeing species they’ve never encountered, but some reviews suggest it feels more like a park due to the inclusion of children’s play areas, which they argue detracts from the zoo’s core purpose. Cleanliness and parking issues have also been noted.
- Why Visit: As a newer zoo, it offers a fresh experience with a growing collection of animals.
- How to Make the Most of It: Focus on the animal exhibits and avoid peak hours to enjoy a quieter visit.
- Challenges: The zoo’s identity as a wildlife sanctuary is diluted by recreational additions, and infrastructure needs better maintenance.
5. Rani Bagh Zoological Garden – A Historical Haven in Hyderabad
Originally established as a botanical garden in 1861, Rani Bagh in Hyderabad was later transformed into a zoological garden, now housing 21 mammal species, 41 bird species, and 10 reptile species. Named in honor of Queen Victoria, this 55-acre park blends nature and wildlife, offering a serene escape. Visitors enjoy the historical ambiance and the chance to see animals like turtles and exotic birds, though some note that the zoo could benefit from modernization.
- Why Visit: Its historical roots and diverse species make it a unique destination in Sindh.
- How to Make the Most of It: Explore the botanical sections alongside the animal exhibits for a well-rounded visit.
- Challenges: Aging facilities and limited animal diversity call for upgrades to enhance visitor experience and animal care.
Why Visit Zoos in Pakistan?
Zoos in Pakistan are more than tourist attractions—they play a crucial role in education and conservation, offering a glimpse into the country’s biodiversity, from the endangered snow leopard to the threatened Indus River dolphin. A 2024 study of zoo visitors revealed that 77% believe zoos should inform about animals, and 63.2% felt they learned about conservation during their visit. However, only 35.2% believed they actively participated in conservation activities, highlighting a gap between education and action. These zoos also provide a chance to see native carnivores like leopards and bears, which are at risk of extinction, with 62.2%–67.7% of visitors aware of their threatened status.
Challenges and Considerations
While these zoos offer valuable experiences, they face significant challenges:
- Animal Welfare: Reports of inadequate enclosures, poor veterinary care, and loneliness among animals—like the case of Suzi the elephant at Lahore Zoo—raise ethical concerns. The closure of Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo in 2020 due to animal cruelty, now transformed into the Margalla Wildlife Rescue Centre, underscores the need for reform.
- Infrastructure: Cleanliness, parking, and overcrowding are recurring issues, as noted in visitor reviews of Karachi and Peshawar zoos.
- Conservation vs. Entertainment: Many zoos prioritize visitor amusement over animal well-being, a point of contention among activists who advocate for sanctuaries over traditional zoos.
Tips for Visitors
- Plan Ahead: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring essentials like water and snacks, as facilities may be limited.
- Engage with Guides: Many zoos offer guided tours that provide deeper insights into the animals and their habitats.
- Support Conservation: Look for zoos that contribute to wildlife preservation, like those collaborating with organizations such as the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).
- Be Mindful: Observe animals respectfully and report any signs of distress to zoo authorities.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s zoos offer a chance to connect with the country’s wildlife, but they also highlight the need for better welfare standards and a shift toward conservation-focused models like sanctuaries. The transformation of Marghazar Zoo into a rescue center, which has saved over 380 animals since 2020, including Bengal tigers and Asian black bears, sets a promising precedent. As you plan your visit in 2025, these zoos provide a starting point to explore Pakistan’s natural heritage—just be prepared for a mix of wonder and reflection on how we can better protect these incredible creatures. For more travel and wildlife updates, stay tuned to Today Pakistan News.
