Karachi Zoo, established in year 1878, was commonly called as 'Mahatma Gandhi Garden' ( Urdu :   باغ مہاتما گاندھی ‎ ). In 1861, the zoo was transferred to municipality by the government. In 1878, the municipality placed the zoo under a trust to be developed out of public subscription. Later, the zoo was once again opened to public in 1881. After the  independence of Pakistan  in 1947, the name was changed to 'Karachi Zoological Gardens' or 'Karachi Zoo' for short. In 1953,  Karachi Metropolitan Corporation introduced a zoo curator and a qualified veterinary doctor.  In 1991-2 CDGK for remodelling of Natural History Museum, which was carried out. In 1992, the Japanese Princess inaugurated the remodeled Natural History Museum. Currently, total strength of Karachi Zoo is about 240 staff members.

• Elephant House is the most famous exhibit in the zoo. A 65-year-old  Asian elephant , named 'Anarkali', died on 19 July 2006. Two female  African bush elephants  arrived at the zoo on 16 May 2010 from  Karachi Safari Park . Both were born in  Tanzania  in 2007 and have been named 'Noor Jahan' and 'Madhu Bala'.
• Natural History Museum, renovated in 1992, is one of the more famous attractions in Karachi Zoo. Apart from stuffed animals, skins, antlers, horns and feathers etc. are also placed on display in the museum. The facility is used by zoology students for research and educational motives.
• Reptile House was extended and renovated in 1992. It is one of the few reptile houses in Pakistan. There are 13 species of snakes and lizards. Newly born hatchlings of  testudines  and  crocodilians  are also exhibited.
• Veterinary Hospital was established in 1998 in Karachi Zoo with modern diagnostic facilities. There is an operation theatre, equipped with X-ray and sonogram facilities, multiple sick bays, a laboratory and an incubation room.
• Mughal Garden, established in 1970, has green lawns with seasonal plants that occupy a major part of the garden accompanied with  Mughal -style fountains. The garden is famous for different varieties of  roses  and other flowers that are exhibited there.
• White Lions, purchased in 2012 and a big draw for the zoo, are a part of a breeding programme.