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Of all the places to visit in Karachi with family, the Karachi Zoo remains as one of the most popular hangout spots – and for a good reason.
Also known as the Karachi Zoological Gardens, this famous tourist attraction in the City of Lights covers an area of 33 acres and is one of the largest zoos in Pakistan. It is also the second-oldest zoo in the country, constructed only six years after the renowned Lahore Zoo.
Although a number of zoos and mini zoos have popped up across the city over the years, the Karachi Zoo easily remains the most famous of them all. So, whether you have kids who are fond of wildlife or if you simply want to educate them about different types of animals, you should consider taking a trip to Karachi Zoo for some time well spent.
Here is all you need to know about the Karachi Zoological Gardens, including its timings, ticket prices, location, main features and much more.
However, before we get into all of that, let’s take a quick look at the history of this tourist attraction.
History of Karachi Zoo
Karachi Zoo opened its doors to the public in 1878 and was named the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Garden’ in 1913. Interestingly, according to historians, the site where the zoo is presently located used to house a factory belonging to the East India Company back in 1833.
Following the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the name of Gandhi Garden Karachi was officially changed to Karachi Zoological Gardens, more commonly referred to as Karachi Zoo.
In 1952, an aquarium by the name of ‘Machli Ghar’ was established inside the zoo. A year later, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) introduced the positions of a zoo curator and a veterinary doctor to ensure the animals remained healthy and disease-free. In 1991, the city government took on the remodelling of the Natural History Museum located inside the Karachi Zoo, which was inaugurated by the Japanese Princess in 1992. The Reptile House inside this zoo in Karachi was also extended and renovated in the same year.
Karachi Zoo Timings
You can visit Karachi Zoo between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Although the zoo is open seven days a week, Wednesdays are reserved for women and children only.
Karachi Zoo Ticket Prices
The entrance fee for Karachi Zoo is PKR 30.
Karachi Zoo Location
This tourist attraction is located at an ideal spot in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible from all areas of Karachi.
Karachi Zoo Address: Nishtar Road, Garden East, Millat Nagar, Karachi.
Some of the locations in the vicinity of Karachi Zoo include:
- Empress Market: 5-minute drive
- Jinnah Mausoleum: 8-minute drive
- Jinnah Park: 9-minute drive
- High Court of Sindh: 10-minute drive
- Arts Council of Pakistan: 10-minute drive
- Frere Hall: 12-minute drive
- National Museum of Pakistan: 12-minute drive
Karachi Zoo Contact details
Here are the contact details for Karachi Zoo.
Phone Number: 021-99230502
Main Features of Karachi Zoo
Here are some of the main attractions and things to do in Karachi Zoological Gardens.
Animals
Animals are obviously the biggest attraction of any zoo.
This zoo in Karachi is home to more than 800 animals, including 80 different species of mammals, 460 birds and more than 200 reptiles.
Some of the most prominent animals in Karachi Zoo include two female African bush elephants named ‘Noor Jahan’ and ‘Madhu Bala,’ white Lions purchased in 2012, along with a male Asian black bear and a female Syrian brown bear purchased in 2017. Some of the other animals inside the zoo include lions, Bengal tigers, jackals, spotted hyenas, Arabian Oryx, Bactrian camel, deer, giraffe, zebras, llamas, and baboons, to name a few.
In a recent interview, Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced that new enclosures are being constructed for the wildlife at the zoo. Visitors can also expect to see new animals during their next trip.
It is also worth mentioning the new habitats will be built as per international standards to provide the animals with a healthy and natural space. In addition, the Government of Sindh is also working alongside local authorities to ensure the timely completion of the project.
A Vibrant Food Street
Karachi Zoo is also about to get a spectacular food street. According to Wahab, the zoological and botanical garden is all set to become the latest recreational hub in the bustling city with the inauguration of a beautifully designed food street featuring a range of kiosks and stalls.
Moreover, the visitors will be able to take colourful photos under the umbrella-covered street — reminiscent of the popular tourist spot in Istanbul, Turkey. The under-construction space will also offer a variety of entertainment facilities to make their trip to the zoo even more memorable. The pair of majestic bronze lion statues, a gift by the late Queen of Great Britain, have also been moved to the food street.
Expansive Parking Space
The authorities have also taken concrete steps to resolve the parking issue outside this popular tourist attraction in Karachi. To facilitate the visitors, the city administration has constructed a new parking area at the zoo. In addition, Gate No. 5 has also been renovated to enhance the security and aesthetic appeal of the historic recreational spot.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the must-visit spots in the Karachi Zoo. Remodelled between 1991 and 1992 by the local authorities, this museum exhibits both exotic and indigenous taxidermied animals. This exhibit is extremely popular among students and teenagers, as it allows them to learn more about animals found in different parts of the world and study their morphological characteristics.
Apart from the stuffed animals, the Natural History Museum also has separate displays for antlers, horns, skins and feathers of different species.
Karachi Municipal Aquarium
Established in 1953, the Karachi Municipal Aquarium is also a prominent attraction for visitors. It is one of the three public aquariums in Karachi and features 28 display tanks with more than 300 fish belonging to 30 different species.
If you or your kids have an interest in marine life, you simply cannot miss out on visiting this aquarium at the Karachi Zoo.
Reptile House
The Reptile House in Karachi Zoo is considered one of the best tourist attractions of its kind in Pakistan. It is home to several species of lizards and snakes, including Cobra, Coral, Python, Dhaman, and Sand Boa. Newly hatched tortoises and crocodiles are also kept in the Reptile House for proper feed and nourishment.
Mughal Garden
Even if you aren’t a huge fan of animals, you can still visit the Karachi Zoo to explore the beautifully-landscaped and well-manicured Mughal Garden. It dates back to 1970.
These lush green lawns with stunning flowerbeds, beautiful fountains and an elegant Baradari are reminiscent of the Mughal-era gardens found in Lahore. As per the map of Karachi Zoo, they occupy a major part of the Zoological Gardens and usually serve as the venue for seasonal flower shows.
Veterinary Hospital
The Karachi Zoo also houses a well-equipped veterinary hospital with diagnostic facilities, an operation theatre, an X-ray room, a quarantine building, and an incubation room to take care of the eggs laid by the captive birds. This hospital was established in 1998 to ensure the health of animals in Karachi Zoo.
Children’s Play Area
The zoo also has a separate play area for children with amusement park rides along with a refreshment centre.
Zoos in Karachi
Here are the locations, entry prices and timings of other zoos in Karachi.
Danzoo
Address: Precinct 19, Bahria Town, Karachi
Entry Ticket: PKR 250 for children between 5 and 12 years | PKR 450 for adults
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Karachi Safari Park
Address: University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi
Entry Ticket: PKR 50
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Landhi Korangi Zoo
Address: Sector 35 F, Landhi Town, Karachi
Entry Ticket: PKR 30
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Mufti Ramzan Family Park and Mini Zoo
Address: Block D, North Nazimabad Town, Karachi
Entry Ticket: PKR 10
Timings: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily
Arif Hussain Shaheed Mini Zoo Park
Address: Off University Road, Block 16, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi
Entry Ticket: PKR 10
Timings: 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM daily
This brings an end to our guide on Karachi Zoo. If you have any feedback or comments, you can share them with us at blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, make sure to check out our guides on the best family parks and popular amusement parks in Karachi.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and real estate blog in Pakistan – to learn more about tourist attractions in major cities across the country. You can also like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date about the latest developments in the construction and property sector.
(Updated on November 29, 2022)
