The Central Zoo is located in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Ward No. 4, Jawalakhel, opposite the District Police Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Operations, Tickets & Memberships
The Central Zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sunday through Saturday. Ticket counters remain open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter (Kartik 16 to Magh 15, generally early November to the end of January). Fishing activities are permitted from the 1st of Chaitra until the 30th of Kartik each year.
The Central Zoo houses around 1,400 individual animals representing 120 species, including tigers, snow leopards, rhinos, elephants, chimpanzees, ostriches, emus, and Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe.
Entry fees vary for Nepali citizens, SAARC nationals, and foreign visitors. Discounts are available for students, children, and senior citizens. The fee details are provided below. These do not include the cost of the children’s park and boating facilities.
Nepali Nationals
| Adult | NRs 250 |
| Student | NRs 150 |
| Children (from 4-12 years) |
NRs 100 |
| Senior Citizen (above 65 years) |
NRs 100 |
SAARC Nationals
| Adult | NRs 1000 |
| Children (from 4-12 years) |
NRs 500 |
Foreign Nationals
| Adult | NRs 2000 |
| Children (from 4-12 years) |
NRs 1000 |
Filming
| Video and documentary filming | NRs 25,000 / Day |
| Feature filming | NRs 40,000 / Day |
Fishing
| Nepali and Foreign Visitors | NRs 1500 |
| FOZ members | NRs 1000 |
The Central Zoo offers the Friends of Zoo (FoZ) membership program for individuals, families, and students. Membership provides opportunities to participate in conservation activities, educational programs, and special events. The membership fees listed below are valid for one year:
Membership Category
Adult
Family (up to four members)
School Student
New Membership
NRs 600
NRs 2000
NRs 300
The zoo has beautifully maintained gardens, a boating facility, a children’s park, and a baby care room, making it a family-friendly destination.
The zoo runs the Friends of Zoo program, school outreach programs, guided tours, animal feeding sessions, night tours, and various conservation-themed competitions. A digital learning platform and biofact centers also support conservation education.
The zoo actively supports animal rescue, care, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also conducts breeding programs, provides research grants for university students, and collaborates with national and international conservation partners.
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for both visitors and animals, all visitors are requested to follow these rules:
- Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
- Littering is not allowed. Dispose of waste in designated bins.
- Do not tease, touch, or feed the animals.
- Take care of your personal belongings. The zoo administration is not responsible for lost or stolen items, including pickpocket incidents.
- Maintain silence. Avoid making loud noises that may disturb the animals.
- Respect facilities and exhibits. Do not damage enclosures, signs, or plants.
Follow staff instructions. For your safety and the welfare of the animals, always comply with directions given by zoo personnel.
Through the Adopt an Animal program, you can directly support the Central Zoo and its conservation efforts. You can also join the Friends of Zoo (FoZ) program, donate, sponsor animals, or participate in educational activities. The adoption fee varies depending on the species.
For any complaints, suggestions, or further information, visitors can contact the Central Zoo administration at the main office, located near the entrance. You can also reach them by:
- Telephone: 01-5428323, 5428324
- Email: centralzoo@ntnc.org.np