Of all the places to visit in Karachi with family, the Karachi Zoo is still one of the most popular spots for picnics and hangouts. Also known as the Karachi Zoological Gardens, this famous tourist attraction covers 33 acres and is one of the largest zoos in Pakistan.
It is also the second-oldest zoo in the country, built just six years after the famous Lahore Zoo. Whether you’re an animal lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, Karachi Zoo offers something for everyone.
Karachi Zoo History
- Karachi Zoo opened its doors to the public in 1878 and was named the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Garden’ in 1913. Interestingly, the site where the zoo is now located used to be a factory belonging to the East India Company back in 1833.
- After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, the name of Gandhi Garden Karachi was changed to Karachi Zoological Gardens, more commonly referred to as Karachi Zoo. In 1952, an aquarium called ‘Machli Ghar’ was added. In 1953, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) created the positions of zoo curator and veterinary doctor to ensure the animals stayed healthy.
- In 1991, the city government remodeled the Natural History Museum inside the zoo, which was inaugurated by a Japanese Princess in 1992. The Reptile House was also extended and renovated in the same year.
Karachi Zoo Ticket Price
Visiting Karachi Zoo is very affordable. The entrance fee is only PKR 30/-.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Entry Ticket | PKR 30/- |
Karachi Zoo Timings
You can visit Karachi Zoo from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. However, Wednesdays are reserved for women and children only.
| Day | Timings |
| Monday – Sunday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Women and children only |
Karachi Zoo Contact Number
For more information, you can contact Karachi Zoo at the following numbers:
- KMC Head Office: 1st Floor, M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi.
- Phone: +92 21 992 1511-7
- Email: mayor@kmc.gos.pk
Karachi Zoo Location
Karachi Zoo is located at Nishtar Road, Garden East, Millat Nagar, Karachi. This central location makes it easy to visit.
Karachi Zoo Attractions
Karachi Zoo offers a wide variety of attractions that make it a great place for a family outing:
Animals
Karachi Zoo is home to various types of 800+ animals. This includes 80 types of mammals like lions and monkeys, 460 kinds of birds such as parrots and peacocks, and over 200 reptiles like snakes and lizards.”
Some of the most popular animals include two female African bush elephants named ‘Noor Jahan’ and ‘Madhu Bala,’ white lions, a male Asian black bear, and a female Syrian brown bear. You can also see lions, a Bengal tiger, jackals, spotted hyenas, Arabian Oryx, Bactrian camels, deer, giraffes, zebras, llamas, and baboons.
Elephant House
The Elephant House at Karachi Zoo, once home to ‘Anarkali’, an Asian elephant who lived until 2006, is now famed for its two African bush elephants, ‘Noor Jahan’ and ‘Madhu Bala’, who arrived from Tanzania in 2010.
Natural History Museum
The museum, renovated in 1992, is one of the top attractions. It displays stuffed animals, skins, antlers, horns, feathers, and more. Zoology students often use this facility for research and education.
Reptile House
Extended and renovated in 1992, the Reptile House is one of the few in Pakistan. It has 13 species of snakes and lizards, as well as newly born hatchlings of turtles and crocodiles.
Mughal Garden
Established in 1970, the Mughal Garden has beautiful green lawns with seasonal plants and Mughal-style fountains. It is famous for its different varieties of roses and other flowers.
White Lions
Karachi Zoo’s white lions, acquired in 2012, are a major attraction and play a key role in the zoo’s breeding efforts.
Veterinary Hospital
Established in 1998, the veterinary hospital has modern diagnostic facilities, an operation theatre, X-ray and sonogram equipment, multiple sick bays, a laboratory, and an incubation room.
Karachi Municipal Aquarium
Built in 1953, the aquarium inside Karachi Zoo has 28 tanks with around 300 fish of about 30 species.
Karachi Zoo is not just a place to see animals; it’s a journey through history and nature. With so many attractions and activities, it’s a perfect spot for a family day out.
