Peshawar Zoo

Peshawar Zoo (Urdu: پشاور چهڑیاگهر) is one of the largest zoos in Pakistan and the first ever zoo in Peshawar. It opened on 12 February 2018. The zoo is managed by the Forests, Environment and Wildlife department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the second largest zoo of Pakistan after Karachi Zoo. Visitors can see many different kinds of animals and learn about wildlife conservation.

History

Peshawar Zoo began construction on February 3, 2016. Important guests, such as Imran Khan and Chief Minister of KPK, Pervez Khattak, attended the start ceremony. The zoo officially opened its doors to visitors on February 13, 2018. It covers 29 acres next to the Pakistan Forest Institute, close to Markaz-Ul-Uloom Islamia Rahatabad.

Some of the first animals came from Lahore Zoo in October 2017. They included lions, nilgai, and blackbucks. More animals joined from places across Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, like leopards from Dhodial pheasantry and an Asiatic black bear from Nathiagali. Later, Bengal tigers from South Africa, giraffes, and a group of Arabian oryx from UAE also arrived, marking an important step for the zoo.

Areas and attractions

Peshawar Zoo has many exciting places to explore. One area is the Lion House, where you can see lions up close. Nearby is the Bear House, home to special bears from Asia.

There is also a Bird Aviary in the middle of the zoo. Right now, you can only see it from outside, but it will be fun to walk through when it’s finished. You might spot pelicans, flamingos, ducks, and other colorful birds there.

The Leopard House has roofs and indoor spaces for animals like leopards, monkeys, wolves, and tigers. Other animals you can see at the zoo include giraffes, deer, markhors, and even peafowl.

Animals

The Peshawar Zoo is home to many interesting animals from different parts of the world.

Mammals

Some of the mammals you can see include the Lion, Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, and Giraffe. There are also smaller animals like the Red-necked wallaby and Rhesus macaque.

Birds

The zoo has many colorful birds, such as the Common ostrich, Indian peafowl, and Scarlet macaw. You can also see birds like the Great white pelican and Rose-ringed parakeet.

Reptiles

Some of the reptiles at the zoo include the Crocodile, Indian python, and Indian cobra. There are also smaller reptiles like the Indian flapshell turtle and Indian spiny-tailed lizard.

Animal births

In April 2018, the Peshawar Zoo had four Indian leopard cubs born to a pair of leopards from the Hazara and Malakand regions of Pakistan. Sadly, the hot weather in the city caused at least two of the cubs to pass away. The zoo also saw the births of a llama and a Bactrian camel.