Overview & visitor information
Founded in 1893 and known originally as Gandhi Garden, this zoo also contains a few botanical gardens. A pretty basic amenity, but a popular hangout nevertheless. The collection of exotic birds from all over Pakistan, and also from abroad, is sure to delight. A lake serves as a natural habitat for many species of ducks, geese, and swans, and a separate section of the same lake houses alligators and crocodiles. A Reptile House (which has a separate ticket) contains exhibits with around a dozen different reptile species, including lizards, snakes, tortoises, and small crocodiles. A Natural History Museum (also with a separate ticket) houses several preserved animals, some of them believed to be extinct in Pakistan due to excessive hunting and poaching. The Mughal Garden is one of the main attractions of the zoo. It contains beautiful flower bushes and fountains. A must-visit if you want to create photographic memories. Do not worry if you have not brought along a camera. There are several professional photographers located inside the zoo who will take and develop your photographs in very little time, and at a very little cost – just make sure they do not find out you are a foreigner, in which case they could heavily overcharge you. The zoo offers horse and elephant rides for children as well as grown ups. It also has a playland/amusement park for children, with rides and games.
