THE LAHORE ZOO

Introduction

The Lahore Zoo is the biggest zoo of Pakistan. Located in the heart of the city and set in modern style. The Lahore zoo founded in 1872 is one of the oldest zoo in sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate of the Zoo. Close to the main gate are the four murals, each of the elephant, a giraffe, a great Panda and an Urial which are set very artistically in the background of waterfall. The driveway is lined with desert concrete, which has also been used in the construction of the leopard house.

In 1982 the Punjab wild life department took over the management and since than remarkable changes have been taken place. The Zoo can clearly be divided into old building and new building. Besides the two aviaries of peafowl house and a round aviary housing songbirds.

The lion house is the probably the oldest structure retained in the zoo. The Lion house is the most attractive building of olden type comprising seven dens at the back. At the front are two very nice grottos, to which the animals in dens are removed in succession for exercise.



The elephant house is modeled on the pattern of elephant house at London zoo. There are four internal dens and three external enclosures, to accommodate elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses. The public is separated from the animals by ditches.



The monkey house is an attractive section comprising two blocks of three and four cages respectively. The cages are high and narrow and contain some ingenious climbing aids which monkeys use and enjoy. The interior of the monkey house has recently been improved. Glazed tiles have been plastered on the walls to ease the cleanliness of the walls.



The Leopard house is the conventional design, as seen in many zoo's. There are two small interior cages with exterior runs for small cats. One of which houses the rare caracal cat.





The pheasantry is an originally designed attractive enclosure with four row cages for the birds. There are special varieties of peafowl's and pheasants in this section. A pheasantry for small birds is also present which houses birds like cockatoos budgerigars and other parrots.



Zoo possesses some of the oldest trees in Lahore, which may be about 400 years of age. Large numbers of interesting trees shrubs and other plants are ecently planted. Large lush green grounds are used by visitors for picnic and rest. The children parks have been provided the facility of slides swings and jumping devices.



Wild Life & Bird Watching:-

Pakistan is endowed with a rich variety of native animals and migratory birds. It's varied topography and climate accommodates a great range of fauna in the world. To preserve the nature and wildlife, there have been several areas declared as national parks. In these parks there are great chances to see the animals & birds in the natural environment.

There are several kinds of birds and animals in Pakistan with few following worth to mention. The Brown Bear, Common Otter, Alpine Weasel, Stoat, Lynx, White-toothed Shrew, Persian Wild Goat, Sand Fox, Sand Cat, Gazelle, Fishing Cat, Hog Deer, Pangolin, Rhinoceros, Leopard Cat, Grey Goral, Barking Deer, Wild Goat, Ibex, Markhor, Wild Ass, Himalayan Beer, and several kinds of Sheep.

In the list of birds, apart from native species, one can watch several migratory birds while participating in this program. Being situated on one of the major routes from Central Asia and Siberia known as the Indus Fay Way No. 04, Pakistan is an important haunt for the migratory waterfowl.

A number of lakes, ponds, marshes, canals and rivers make idea wetland habitat for the waterfowl and offer excellent harbour to a large variety of migratory population during each winter. Haleji, a lake near Karachi has been declared, as Wetland Bird Sanctuary while Keenjhar in Sind, Ochali in Sakesar and Chasma are few to mention among several other important places. Some birds likely to be watched en tour are Flamingos, Sea Gulls, species of Duck, Whimbrel, Egrets, Jacana, Eagle, Herons, Falcon, Koonj, Whimbrel, Goose, Cormorat, Hubara Bustard, Sandgrouse, Bee Eater, King Fisher and many others.