The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, is the only zoo in Nepal. Established in 1932 as a private zoo by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Samsher, it was opened to the public in 1956 and is now managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. The zoo covers an area of 6 hectares and houses approximately 969 animals across 109 species, including endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. It also features an aquarium for subtropical fish and serves as a recreational center for visitors, attracting over one million visitors annually.
The Central Zoo (Nepali: सदर चिडियाखाना) is a 6-hectare (15-acre) zoo in Jawalakhel, Nepal. It is home to some 969 animals in 109 species, and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). Although it was originally a private zoo, it was opened to the public in 1956.
During the Bhoto Jatra festival, celebrated near the zoo, the zoo may see upwards of 34,000 visitors in a single day after they come to see a historical jeweled vest at the culmination of the Rato Machchhindranath Jatra.[4][5]
History
The Central Zoo was established in 1932 by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser as a private zoo; it came under government control in 1950.[6] It was built under the engineering and project management of General Maheshwar Shamshere Rana (PM Juddha Shamshere’s grandson) and his handpicked skilled and unskilled workforce. It was opened to the public in 1956,[1] and in December 1995, the government handed over responsibility of the zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation.[2] Although work is not complete, the NTNC has been upgrading the facilities so that animals can live in larger enclosures that simulate their natural environment. It is also working towards turning the zoo into a research and educational facility, as well as remaining a tourist attraction.[1]
The central pond at the zoo is older than the zoo itself. It was built in the seventeenth century during the rule of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and at one time was the source of water for Patan.[4]
Animals
Sarus crane
Greater one-horned rhinoceros
The zoo is home to about 870 animals in 109 species,[2] including 15 of 38 endangered local species including Royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros, as well as many animals from around the world including hippos, siamang, ostriches, chimpanzee, lemur, and many birds.[4][6] It also has an aquarium for subtropical fish.[2]
One horned Rhino at Central Zoo
Do’s and don’ts inside Central Zoo :
Animals, like children, need to know their boundaries and once they do, they often are happier knowing what is acceptable and, what is not. Do not tease the Zoo animals, enjoy their behavior. Do not feed and get close to any animal inside the Zoo Park. Do not cross the stand-off barriers & fences, Security walls.
Central Zoo Tickets and Price Details
Those interested in visiting The Central Zoo need to purchase entrance tickets. The prices vary based on nationality, but there are special discounts for children, students, and FOZ members!
As I’m a student myself, I was privileged to get the discount. But one thing to note is that you need to carry your identity card for verification.
Tickets can be purchased both online (via NTNC’s official website) and offline (standing in a queue, which is a little time-consuming). And those of you visiting the Central Zoo with a travel agency like Altitude Himalaya, tickets shall be taken care of!
Also, note that the opening hours of the zoological park vary depending on the season:
February to October: 10 AM to 5 PM (summer)
November to January: 10 AM to 4 PM (winter)
Moreover, there are plenty of activities that you can try in the zoo premises, like boating, fishing, filming, etc. Each requires a separate ticket, and the prices vary accordingly.
Here are the tickets and price details:
