The management of the Lahore Zoo has officially been taken over by the Department of Wildlife after the private company awarded the operational contract withdrew from the agreement. All services, including entry tickets and parking, are now managed directly by the Zoo administration.
The private company had secured the contract on January 1, 2025 for a total value of RS500 million. The agreement covered services such as ticketing, parking and other visitors.
However, the company left the contract after six months and sixteen operating days. Sources say the company is responsible for paying over 250 million RS to the government as part of the contractual terms together with the settlement of outstanding fees as electricity bills.
Zoo officials confirmed the development and stated that all operational responsibilities have been resumed by the ZOO management.
According to authorities, the private contractor had requested Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to give an increase in ticket prices and to gather a further paid facility (such as Dinosaur Hall, Reptil House or Aquarium) with each entrance ticket.
The CWMC rejected the proposal and maintained that no additional financial burdens should be imposed for visitors.
The decision to keep recreational services affordable adaptation to the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb who advocate available leisure facilities and quality facilities for the public.
It is worth noting that after taking responsibility, the private company introduced bound ticket packages that forced visitors to buy entry along with access to an additional facility.
This asked strong public criticism and a response from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Punjab Secretary of Forests & Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who led an immediate end to practice.
According to sources, the private company chose to leave the agreement to prevent further financial losses and assured the authorities that all outstanding fees would be cleared.
On Thursday, the Zoo administration officially resumed control and CWMC has called for an emergency meeting today to decide the future management course of the Zoo.
