Message from Office In-Charge

Central Zoo: A Pillar of Wildlife Conservation in Nepal Central Zoo, located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, was established in 1932 by the late Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana as a private facility. In 1951, the management of the zoo was transferred to the Government of Nepal. Since 1995, the Government has entrusted its management to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) under a 60-year agreement.

Today, Central Zoo is home to approximately 1,400 animals, representing around 120 different species. In addition to serving as a traditional zoo, it also functions as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured and confiscated wildlife, providing them with safe shelter and appropriate care.

The zoo is committed to promoting animal welfare by ensuring the provision of nutritious food, enriched habitats, proper medical care, and dedicated attention. It also plays a key role in conservation education. One of its most successful initiatives, the Friends of Zoo (FOZ) programme, has been a leading platform for student engagement in conservation. Since its launch in 1995, the programme has reached over 500 schools and more than one million students and visitors, helping to raise awareness and promote conservation values.

In addition to its educational efforts, Central Zoo is actively involved in research and capacity-building initiatives, particularly for university students and government agencies. The zoo also prioritises visitor satisfaction through a range of services, including landscaped gardens, safe drinking water, a child care room, traditional resting areas, and proper waste management.

As a centre for ex-situ wildlife conservation, education, research, and public engagement, Central Zoo plays a vital role in Nepal’s conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, Central Zoo is committed to becoming a better space for future generations.

Guided by the motto: “Clean Zoo, Green Zoo, Boutique Zoo”, we aim to create a clean, sustainable, and uniquely engaging environment for both animals and visitors.

Through continued improvements in animal care, infrastructure, visitor services, and conservation programmes, we envision Central Zoo as a model institution that inspires national pride and earns international recognition. Our goal is to foster a space where wildlife flourishes, learning is encouraged, and every visitor gains a deeper appreciation for nature.