Lahore Zoo, on Mall Road near Governor's House, is one of the oldest zoos in South Asia, established in the 19th century and home to a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles displayed across shaded, tree-lined grounds in the heart of Lahore. Enclosures include big cats such as lions and tigers, elephants, primates, and an aviary section, alongside a reptile house; the zoo's age is reflected in the mix of older-style enclosures and more recently upgraded sections. Visitors walk the paved paths connecting the various animal houses, with shaded seating areas and food stalls scattered through the grounds. A full walk through the main enclosures takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Weekday mornings, particularly in the cooler winter months, are the most comfortable time to visit, both for animal activity levels and for avoiding the large family crowds that fill the zoo on weekends and public holidays. As with many older zoos, some visitors raise concerns about enclosure sizes, which is worth being aware of before visiting.
| Admission | Adult Nominal admission fee payable at the gate · Child Reduced children's rate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:00AM-7:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings, cooler winter months |
| Getting there | On Mall Road near Governor's House; reachable by Metrobus or rickshaw from central Lahore |
| Address | 90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Mall Rd, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan |
Weather through the year in Punjab
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Punjab.
Location
90 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Mall Rd, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
31.5561, 74.3258 View on map
Highlights
- 19th-century zoo among the oldest in South Asia
- Big cat, elephant, and primate enclosures
- Aviary and reptile house sections
- Shaded, tree-lined grounds in central Lahore
- Central Mall Road location near Governor's House
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the large weekend family crowds
- Cooler winter months bring more animal activity than the height of summer heat
- Bring cash for the gate fee and food stalls inside the grounds
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds involve a fair amount of walking between enclosures
- Some visitors have raised concerns about older enclosure standards, which is worth knowing before visiting
When to visit
Weekday mornings in the cooler winter months offer the most comfortable visit and the fewest crowds.
Accessibility
The main paths are paved and largely level, making most of the zoo passable for wheelchair users, though some older enclosure areas have uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Lahore Zoo take?
A full walk through the main enclosures takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Lahore Zoo worth visiting with kids?
Yes, it is a popular family destination in Lahore, with children generally drawn to the big cats and elephants.
Is photography allowed at Lahore Zoo?
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds and at most enclosures.