They call it Lahore Zoo Safari, but it’s more than just a zoo—it’s a full-day adventure inside the city. Spread across 242 acres along Raiwind Road, this wildlife spot gives people a chance to explore wild animals, go boating, try zip-lining, and even join a night lion safari—all without leaving Lahore. After a big makeover in early 2024, it’s now more exciting and busy than ever.
Table of Contents
A Look at the Past: From Woodland Wildlife Park to Today’s Safari
Lahore Zoo Safari wasn’t always this exciting. It first opened in 1981 as Woodland Wildlife Park. Later, on January 21, 2009, it was upgraded and renamed Lahore Zoo Safari. Back then, it already had a large bird aviary and a lake with boating features that drew attention as Pakistan’s biggest walk-through bird zone. Over time, more changes were made under the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department.
In November 2023, the park was closed for three months for another big update. It reopened in February 2024 with better setups, like electric vehicles for animal tours, fun zones with different themes, a new fish aquarium, better lion areas, and a big parking area. These changes are part of a two-year plan that includes elephants, a mammal care centre, new zip lines, camping sites, and safer animal homes.
Top Things Visitors Love About Lahore Safari Zoo
Lion & Tiger Safari
One of the most exciting parts of Lahore Zoo Safari is the lion and tiger safari. People ride inside cage-covered vehicles and drive into the big cat zones. It’s thrilling—you can hear the roar but still feel safe. The animal zones now include small hills, dry terrain, and better safety.
Walk-through Aviary
Pakistan’s largest walk-in aviary is at this park. People can walk among colorful birds like parrots, pheasants, and peafowl. It feels like stepping into a bird paradise. This walkthrough aviary in Pakistan is not just big but filled with sound, color, and movement.
Boating and Fishing Fun
The lake is calm and relaxing. You can rent a boat and float around or try fishing. Visitors are allowed to catch three fish for a small price. For families and couples, it’s a great way to spend time.
Zip Line and Night Safari
Want a rush of excitement? Zip-lining over the trees gives you a fast ride with a view. The night lion safari, from 8 PM to 10 PM, is another visitor favorite. Seeing wild animals at night feels like a movie come to life.
Fish Aquarium and EV Rides
There’s also a fish aquarium where you can see many types of local and foreign fish. A shark tank is also in the works. Electric vehicles take people through different zones like deserts, deer fields, and even African-style animal spaces.
Camping & Play Zones
Families rest at food courts. Children use slides, ride things, and go on camels. The place lets children enjoy and learn.
Helping Nature and Animal Care
The park is also working hard on saving animals and nature:
- In June 2025, they hatched 10 ostrich chicks using machines—an important step in animal care.
- Bird breeding zones like the Chakor pheasantry help the national Green Pakistan idea.
- Plans are ready for elephants, and the area for them is being built. Once approved, two pairs will arrive.
- They’re also waiting to bring in nine giraffes, three rhinos, and a hippo. But there are delays due to health checks and rules about animals coming from other countries.
- Not everything is perfect: some animals, like pythons and Nyala deer, died. People say this was because of poor care and a lack of trained workers.
Comparing Safari with Other Lahore Wildlife Spots
Attraction | Lahore Zoo Safari | Lahore Zoo | Jallo Park |
Area | 242 acres | Small and old | 461 acres, mostly plants |
Special Animals | Lions, tigers, giraffes soon | Elephants, hippo, pandas planned | Deer, birds, forest animals |
Features | Night rides, zip-line, fish tanks | Old-style animal exhibits | Swimming, gardens, playgrounds |
Unique Point | Thrilling safari and walk-in aviary | Historical zoo feel | More for plants and nature |
While Lahore Zoo is more traditional and Jallo Park is better for greenery, Lahore Zoo Safari mixes fun and learning in a new way. Reddit users and visitors say Safari is better, though it still has some room to improve.
What People Say: Good, Bad, and Useful Tips
What Visitors Like:
- It’s big and open.
- EV rides make it easy for older people and kids.
- New things like the aquarium and zip line are fun.
What Annoys Some People:
- Too noisy in some parts due to rides and music.
- Some think it feels more like a funfair than a zoo.
- Reports say some animals suffer from bad air, poor medical help, or stress.
Useful Tips for Visitors:
One should go early or stay away from the park on weekends and holidays. Over 35,000 people went during Eid.
- Purchase tickets on the internet, especially for the night safari plus the zip line.
- Wear proper shoes. Carry sunscreen, water, and snacks.
- Could you apply mosquito spray? The park sits near a lake and many trees.
What’s New and What’s Coming Next
The zoo is planning even more changes:
- In February 2025, 12 giraffes arrived. Nine will live at the Safari.
- Rhinos and hippos are waiting to come, but the rules are slowing things down.
- Elephants will come once their new homes are ready.
- Captive breeding with incubators is being tested.
- New zones like lighted gardens, new aquarium sections, trams, and animal care centers are on the way.
The park plans to finish most of the upgrades by mid-2025 or a bit later.
A Short Visitor Story to Make You Smile
A visitor said they were not joking about the zip line being exciting. She almost dropped her chai cup while on the ride, but she laughed so hard that she forgot to be scared. The visitor said it was the most fun she had all summer. People often share these stories on social media, which shows that a trip offers something to remember.
The Real Picture: Why You Should Visit (and How to Make the Most of It)
Lahore Zoo Safari has become a big place for families, school trips, animal fans, and those looking for adventure. From lion safaris to boat rides, walk-in bird zones to fish tanks, and even nighttime lion viewing, it offers a full day out without leaving the city.
Here’s how to make your visit better:
Before you go, you can go ahead and plan your visit. You should buy tickets ahead of time. This is especially true if you want to go on the night safari or try zip-lining. Take water and snacks with you. Wear clothes that feel good. The zoo is not like the best zoos around, but it improves with each passing day.
Also, could you keep an eye on the zoo’s social media? Big things are coming: pandas, elephants, new aquarium fish, trams, and maybe even gorillas in the future (though not confirmed yet). It’s an adventure growing day by day—worth every ticket if you go prepared.
FAQs
What are the Lahore Zoo Safari timings?
The park opens at nine in the morning and closes at five in the evening. A night safari operates from eight in the evening until ten at night. The hours can vary on holidays or if the weather shifts. You should always check the zoo’s social media page or call before you go there.
What are the ticket prices for Lahore Zoo Safari?
- General Entry: Around PKR 100–150 per person
- EV Safari Rides: PKR 200–300 per person
- Zip Line: PKR 500–700 (subject to time slot and demand)
- Night Safari: PKR 300–500
Note: Prices may vary. Discounts are sometimes offered for school groups or families. E-tickets are available through the official site.
What can you see at Lahore Zoo Safari?
Visitors can see:
- Lions and Tigers in open safari enclosures
- A walkthrough bird aviary (the biggest in Pakistan)
- Boating and fishing areas
- Aquarium with both local and foreign fish
- Play areas, camel rides, and electric vehicle safaris
Upcoming additions include giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos.
Do you like Lahore Zoo Safari more than Lahore Zoo or Jallo Park?
The answer rests on what a person wants. Lahore Zoo is a traditional and smaller place. Jallo Park mostly has gardens plus spots for picnics. Lahore Zoo Safari has rides, for instance, a zip line – it also has animal encounters like the lion and tiger safari. The zoo safari has newer areas. It is larger, and it has night safaris, which the other places lack.
Is the zoo safari safe for children?
The zoo has safety rules. The lion and tiger safaris use cage vehicles that hold people in. Play areas suit families. Adults should watch children on the zip line or near water.
Final Thoughts
Lahore Zoo Safari provides a full day of pleasure away from the city. People can securely approach a lion; they can also try boating, observe colorful birds, or ride a zip line across the trees. The park offers something for all visitors. The area grows, but its energy and aspirations remain large.