One of the region's oldest zoos with a variety of animals and educational exhibits for visitors
The Zoological Garden in Sahiwal is one of Punjab's oldest and most established zoological parks, serving as both an educational facility and family recreational destination. Established several decades ago, this zoo has evolved from a basic animal collection to a modern facility focusing on animal welfare, conservation education, and public recreation.
Spread over approximately 25 acres, the zoo houses diverse animal species from around the world alongside native Pakistani wildlife. The facility plays a crucial role in environmental education, particularly for school children and families from Sahiwal and surrounding districts. Beyond animal exhibits, the zoo features botanical gardens, picnic areas, and educational displays that make it a comprehensive day-out destination.
The Zoological Garden represents an important community asset, providing urban residents with exposure to wildlife and conservation issues. Recent renovations have improved animal habitats and visitor facilities, making it an increasingly popular destination for both local families and tourists exploring the Sahiwal region. The zoo's commitment to animal care and public education continues to make it a valuable resource for the community.
The Zoological Garden Sahiwal was established in the late 1960s as part of a provincial initiative to create educational and recreational facilities across Punjab's major cities. Initially conceived as a modest collection of local wildlife, the zoo gradually expanded its collection through exchanges with other zoological institutions and acquisitions from wildlife dealers (practices that were common at the time but have since been reformed).
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the zoo underwent significant development, adding more sophisticated enclosures and expanding its botanical collections. The 1990s saw increased focus on educational programming, with the establishment of school visit programs and interpretive displays. During this period, the zoo shifted from purely recreational purposes to incorporating conservation messaging and animal welfare considerations.
In the 21st century, the zoo has embraced modern zoological practices, with renovations focusing on creating more naturalistic habitats and improving veterinary care facilities. Recent years have seen partnerships with conservation organizations and increased emphasis on native species conservation. The zoo continues to balance its roles as a recreational destination, educational facility, and conservation institution, adapting to changing societal expectations about animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
25-acre facility with themed sections: big cat area, primate section, avian aviaries, reptile house, and herbivore enclosures. Well-planned walking paths connect different animal exhibits with shaded rest areas and educational stations.
Extensive tree cover providing natural shade throughout zoo grounds. Ornamental gardens featuring seasonal flowers and native plant species. Designated picnic areas surrounded by mature trees and green spaces.
Diverse collection including big cats (lions, tigers), primates (monkeys, baboons), birds (parrots, peacocks, eagles), reptiles, and herbivores (deer, antelope). Separate children's zoo area with domesticated animals.
Winter months (November-February) offer most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration. Morning hours (9 AM-12 PM) when animals are most active. Avoid midday heat during summer months. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Entry ticket: Adults PKR 100, Children PKR 50. Family packages available. Camera fee: PKR 50-100. Guide services: PKR 200-500. Food and drinks: PKR 300-600 per person. Total for family of 4: PKR 800-1500.
Summer (May-August): Hot 35-45°C, visit early morning. Winter (Nov-Feb): Pleasant 10-25°C ideal for full-day visits. Monsoon (July-Aug): Occasional showers, some exhibits may close. Spring (Mar-Apr): Comfortable with blooming vegetation.
Observe diverse animal species in naturalistic habitats. Attend scheduled feeding times for educational opportunities. Use binoculars for bird watching in aviary sections. Learn about animal behaviors and conservation status.
Children's zoo with petting opportunities. Picnic areas for family meals. Educational displays about wildlife conservation. Photography opportunities throughout zoo grounds. Play areas for children.
Informational signage at each exhibit. Scheduled keeper talks and feeding demonstrations. School group educational tours. Conservation awareness displays. Botanical garden exploration.
Located on Sahiwal's outskirts near Harappa Road. From Lahore: 180 km via N-5 Highway (3 hours). From Multan: 200 km via N-5 (3.5 hours). From Islamabad: 400 km via Motorway M-2 (5-6 hours). Ample parking available.
Local auto-rickshaws and taxis available from Sahiwal city center. City buses pass near zoo entrance. From Sahiwal Railway Station: 15-minute drive. From Bus Stand: 10-minute drive. Group transport available for school trips.
Well-signposted from main city roads. Approximately 5 km from Sahiwal city center. Accessible via Harappa Road. Wheelchair-accessible pathways in main areas. Designated drop-off points near entrance.
Visit the ancient Indus Valley civilization ruins located 25 km from Sahiwal. Explore archaeological remains and museum showcasing 4000-year-old civilization artifacts.
Explore Sahiwal's central public park with gardens, walking tracks, and family recreational facilities. Enjoy urban green space and community atmosphere.
Experience Sahiwal's vibrant bazaars offering traditional crafts, agricultural products, and local cuisine. Sample Punjabi street food and shop for regional specialties.
Google AdSense Advertisement
(Ad code will be implemented here)
Wear comfortable walking shoes as zoo covers extensive area. Light, breathable clothing recommended for outdoor exploration. Hat and sunglasses for sun protection during daytime visits.
Do not feed animals unless at designated feeding areas. No loud noises or sudden movements near animal enclosures. Stay on designated pathways. Supervise children at all times. Respect animal welfare guidelines.
Water bottles (refill stations available). Camera for photography (check camera fee policy). Snacks for children (designated eating areas). Binoculars for better animal viewing. Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Sahiwal offers traditional Punjabi cuisine with fresh local ingredients:
Basic cafeteria services offering snacks, drinks, and simple meals. Packaged foods and bottled beverages available. Picnic areas allow bringing outside food (designated areas only).
Nearby restaurants serve traditional Punjabi dishes: tandoori specialties, kebabs, biryani, and vegetable curries. Many offer family-friendly seating and reasonable prices.
Vendors near zoo entrance offer quick snacks: samosas, pakoras, fresh fruit, and juices. Evening food stalls in nearby areas offer more substantial meal options.
Zoological Garden Sahiwal is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Ticket prices are: Adults PKR 100, Children (3-12 years) PKR 50, Children under 3 free. Senior citizens (60+) receive 50% discount. School groups (minimum 20 students) receive special educational rates with prior booking. Family packages are available for 2 adults and 2 children at PKR 250. Camera fees: still cameras PKR 50, video cameras PKR 100. The zoo may close early on Fridays during winter months for maintenance. Special events or holidays may have extended hours. Tickets are purchased at the main entrance, and receipts should be kept for re-entry if needed. Discounts are available for registered educational institutions with proper documentation.
The zoo houses approximately 50-60 species across various animal groups. Mammals include: Asian lions, Bengal tigers, leopards, black bears, various monkey species (rhesus macaques, baboons), deer (spotted deer, hog deer), antelope, and domestic animal varieties in the children's zoo. Bird species include: peacocks, various parrot species, eagles, owls, waterfowl, and native Pakistani birds. Reptile section features: pythons, cobras, vipers, monitor lizards, and various turtle species. The zoo particularly emphasizes native Pakistani wildlife conservation, with educational displays about local endangered species. Animal exhibits are organized thematically, with big cats in one section, primates in another, etc. Feeding times are scheduled throughout the day, offering visitors opportunities to see animals during active periods.
Yes, the zoo offers comprehensive educational programs for school groups. Educational tours must be booked in advance through the zoo's education office. Programs are tailored to different age groups: primary school tours focus on basic animal identification and habitat concepts, while secondary school programs cover conservation biology and environmental science topics. Guided tours include keeper talks at selected exhibits, hands-on activities (where appropriate), and educational worksheets. The zoo provides dedicated classroom space for pre- and post-tour discussions. Educational materials aligned with provincial curriculum standards are available for teachers. Special programs during summer vacations and environmental awareness days. School group rates: PKR 30 per student with one free teacher per 10 students. Minimum group size: 20 students. Advance booking required at least one week prior to visit date.
The zoo provides basic accessibility features for visitors with disabilities. Main pathways are paved and wheelchair accessible, though some secondary paths may have uneven surfaces. Accessible restrooms are available near the main entrance and cafeteria area. Designated parking spaces for disabled visitors are located close to the entrance. Wheelchair rental may be available at the entrance (subject to availability, advance inquiry recommended). Most major animal exhibits are viewable from wheelchair-accessible platforms or through modified viewing areas. Staff assistance is available for visitors requiring help, though advance notice is appreciated for significant mobility needs. The zoo's layout involves some gentle slopes, which may require assistance for manual wheelchair users. Service animals are permitted with proper documentation. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the zoo administration in advance to arrange appropriate support.
Zoological Garden Sahiwal participates in several conservation initiatives, primarily focusing on native Pakistani species. The zoo maintains breeding programs for endangered local species, particularly birds and small mammals. It participates in national species survival plans coordinated with other Pakistani zoos. Educational programs emphasize local conservation issues, including habitat loss and wildlife protection laws. The zoo collaborates with university biology departments for research on animal behavior and husbandry. Native plant conservation is promoted through botanical displays highlighting local flora. The facility participates in international conservation awareness days like World Wildlife Day and Earth Day with special programming. While not a primary rescue center, the zoo occasionally accepts confiscated wildlife from authorities when appropriate. Conservation messaging is integrated throughout exhibits, focusing on practical actions visitors can take to support wildlife protection in Pakistan.