Lahore Zoo in Lahore Punjab Pakistan

Posted on Feb 18 in Parks, Uncategorizedby PakistanVoicesPrint

The Lahore Zoo in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, established in 1872, was once considered one of the largest zoos in Asia.

History

It started as a small aviary that was donated by Lal Mahundra Ram. Gradually it developed and its animal collection also increased, today the Zoo houses about 1381 animals of 136 species including 996 birds of 82 species, 49 reptiles of 08 and 336 mammals of 45 species. It remained under the management of Lahore Municipal Corporation from 1872 to 1923. Thereafter, its control was given to Deputy Commissioner, Lahore until 1962. Then its management was placed under the Livestock and Dairy Development Department. Finally the management of Lahore Zoo was entrusted to the Wildlife & Parks Department in 1982. During the period 1872 to 1982, it remained a small entity with very little development taking place. Since its transfer to Wildlife Department 1982 there have occurred a number of changes in housing the exhibits, layout of buildings, landscape pattern, administration etc with these initiative/development it become self-financing organization and now it is self-reliant. It is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible to the people belonging to all walks of life. This zoo also contains a botanical garden.

Few efforts have been made to improve the living conditions of the animals in the zoo until recently. In May 2009, a high school student named Abrar Abidi pursued his Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project at the zoo. His project aimed to significantly enhance the animals’ behavioral and social atmosphere, through an addition of enrichments in their cages. He aimed to help the animals most in need, which were the: tigers, lions, primates, and otter. Abrar planned and gathered necessary materials over four months. Much of his resources were fabricated and donated by a materials engineer at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Once he had everything, he brought a group of his school friends to finally put the project to action. His project was covered widely by the Pakistani television stations and newspapers, and the affects of his project can still be seen today.

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