Established in 1872, the Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It started as a small aviary that was donated by Lala Mela Ram. Gradually it developed and its animal collection increased, today the Zoo houses about 947 animals of 104 species including 703 birds of 71 species, 34 reptiles of 12 and 210 mammals of 20 species. It remained under the management of Lahore Municipal Corporation from 1872 to 1923. Thereafter, its control was given to Deputy Commissioner, Lahore until 1962. Then its management was placed under the Livestock and Dairy Development Department. Finally the management of Lahore Zoo was entrusted to the Wildlife & Parks Department in 1982. During the period 1872 to 1982, it remained a small entity with very little development taking place. Since its transfer to Wildlife Department 1982 there have occurred a number of changes in housing the exhibits, layout of buildings, landscape pattern, administration etc with these initiative/development it become self-financing organization and now it is self-reliant. It is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible to the people belonging to all walks of life.

Lahore Zoo can boast of a collage of old and young trees; 4500 trees of 100 species make the environment worth living and visiting; a complete ecosystem including 60 wild birds and 70 species of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and the invertebrates; unique in Lahore

Annually 3 million visitors visit this recreational and educational place, which is matchless with any other park and zoos in Pakistan. There is one day record of 73100 visitors on 14th August, 2001 Approximately ,4530 Universities, colleges and Schools, comprising 1, 60,844 students yearly visit the zoo including 100 schools of special children comprising 8000 students. Zoo provides research facilities to college/universities students in Pakistan and Foreign Organizations.