Ask any Lahori about their childhood trips, and the zoo on Mall Road will come up. For more than 150 years, families have come here to see lions, giraffes and hippos under the shade of huge old trees. Even today, the Lahore Zoo is one of the cheapest and happiest day outs in the city.
In this guide, we cover the zoo’s history, the animals you can see, things to do with children, and the latest tickets and timings. So, pack some water, bring the kids, and let’s go.
Shady walkways inside the zoo. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
History of Lahore Zoo
To begin with, the zoo started very small. In 1872, a man named Lala Mela Ram gave a small aviary of birds to the Municipal Committee of Lahore. In fact, you can still read the old plaque about his gift inside the zoo today.
Over the years, more animals arrived, and the aviary grew into a full zoo. As a result, the Lahore Zoo is now one of the oldest zoos in South Asia. Today, it also covers about 25 acres and holds around 1,400 animals of about 140 species, according to the Punjab Wildlife department.
Lahore Zoo in Recent Years
Many Lahoris still remember Suzi, the zoo’s much-loved elephant. Sadly, she died in 2017, and since then the zoo has had no elephant. Later, in late 2023, the zoo closed for a major renovation. Meanwhile, a Holoverse virtual jungle opened in 2024 as a new attraction.
The 1872 plaque for the aviary given by Lala Mela Ram. Photo Credit: Tahir mq, CC BY-SA 4.0.
One of the older animal houses in the zoo. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Animals to See at Lahore Zoo
The Lahore Zoo has animals from Pakistan and from around the world. Here are the highlights most visitors look for.
Lions and Tigers
First, head to the big cats. The Lion House has lions, Bengal tigers and pumas, and the zoo has also kept rare white tigers. Of course, children always crowd around these enclosures. So, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, because the cats sleep through the hot middle of the day.
A lion resting in its enclosure. Photo Credit: Jugni, CC BY-SA 3.0.
A lioness at the zoo. Photo Credit: Amnagondal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos and Rhinos
Next, walk to the African section. There, you can watch giraffes stretch for leaves, zebras graze in small groups, and hippos and a white rhino eat their fresh grass. In addition, look out for deer and other antelopes on the open lawns.
A giraffe in its enclosure. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Zebras at feeding time. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
The zoo’s hippos. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
A white rhino eating grass. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Birds and the Lake
The zoo started as an aviary, so birds are still a big part of it. For example, you will find pelicans, ducks and swans around the lake, along with peacocks and colourful pheasants in the large cages.
Great white pelicans. Photo Credit: Shahzaib Damn Cruze, CC BY-SA 4.0.
A golden pheasant. Photo Credit: Shahzaib Damn Cruze, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Reptile House
Finally, visit the Reptile House for cobras, kraits, vipers and pythons, plus a small museum of stuffed animals. Just outside, meanwhile, crocodiles and giant tortoises lie in the sun. However, note that the Reptile House needs a separate ticket.
Crocodiles basking in the sun. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
A giant tortoise. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Things to Do
- First, let the children ride a camel or a horse near the main walkway.
- Then try the Holoverse, a virtual jungle with 3D animals, for an extra fee.
- Also, visit the Reptile House and the small animal museum inside it.
- After that, find the 1872 plaque that tells how the zoo began.
- Next, have a picnic under the giant banyan trees.
- Afterwards, walk next door to Bagh-e-Jinnah for more greenery.
A camel ride for children. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
The elephant ride simulator. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Food at and Near the Zoo
Inside the zoo, you will find a food court and small kiosks selling chips, ice cream, cold drinks and snacks. Also, the zoo has announced plans to upgrade its food court, so options may change.
For a proper meal, step out onto Mall Road. Then you have cafes, bakeries and fast food within a short drive. Alternatively, head to Lakshmi Chowk for Lahori karahi and tikka in the evening. Expect to pay around PKR 300 to 1,500 per person.
Old banyan trees, perfect for a picnic. Photo Credit: Saira Kanwal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Visitor Information
Visiting Lahore Zoo
Before you visit Lahore Zoo, keep these points in mind.
- Location: Mall Road (Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam), next to Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore.
- Timings: Usually 9 am until sunset, every day. The zoo also planned evening openings until 9 pm, so check the latest timings before you go.
- Ticket: In early 2026, the entry ticket was PKR 100 per person. The Reptile House, aquarium and Holoverse charge extra.
- Best time: October to March. In summer, come right at 9 am, before the heat.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
- Parking: There is parking near the zoo, but it fills up on weekends and holidays.
- Families and women: Very family-friendly, since there are toilets, benches and lots of shade.
- Accessibility: Most paths are paved and flat; therefore, wheelchairs and prams can manage.
- Rules: Above all, do not feed or tease the animals, and keep children away from the fences.
- Safety: On Eid and public holidays, the zoo gets very crowded, so keep children close.
The zoo’s guide map. Photo Credit: Jugni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The ticket booth. Photo Credit: Tahir mq, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to Get There
The Lahore Zoo stands on Mall Road, close to Charing Cross and the Governor’s House. So, by Careem, inDrive or rickshaw, just ask for Lahore Zoo, Mall Road.
If you drive, use the zoo’s parking or park near Bagh-e-Jinnah and walk. Also, note that Mall Road may close for rallies or VIP movement, so leave a little extra time.
Places to Visit Near Lahore Zoo
- Bagh-e-Jinnah: the old Lawrence Gardens, right next door.
- Lahore Museum: Kipling’s Wonder House, a short drive down Mall Road.
- Tomb of Qutbuddin Aibak: the first Delhi Sultan’s grave in Anarkali.
- Jilani (Race Course) Park: a big park with boating, a few minutes away.
- Data Darbar: Lahore’s most famous Sufi shrine, about 20 minutes away.
Quaid-e-Azam Library in Bagh-e-Jinnah, next to the zoo. Photo Credit: Mahadalisajid, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lahore Zoo ticket price?
In early 2026, the entry ticket was PKR 100 per person. However, the Reptile House, aquarium and Holoverse need extra tickets.
What are the Lahore Zoo timings?
It is usually open from 9 am until sunset, every day. Evening openings were also planned, so check before you go.
Is Lahore Zoo open on Fridays?
Yes. It is open seven days a week, including Fridays.
Is there an elephant at Lahore Zoo?
No. Suzi, the zoo’s last elephant, died in 2017.
When was Lahore Zoo founded?
It began in 1872, when Lala Mela Ram gave an aviary to the city.
Is Lahore Zoo the same as Lahore Zoo Safari?
No. The Safari is a separate, much larger park on Raiwind Road, about 30 km away.
Conclusion
In short, the Lahore Zoo is simple, shady and great value. In fact, it mixes 150 years of history with lions, giraffes and pelicans, all in the middle of Mall Road. So, on your next free morning, take the family, buy a cheap ticket, and spend a few happy hours with the animals.
Spotted deer on the lawn. Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
Cover photo: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0.
