It was founded to celebrate the Prince of Wales' visit to Lucknow in 1921.
The zoo houses a rare collection of swamp deer, the state animal of Uttar Pradesh, for conservation breeding.
The facility contains a dedicated State Museum established in 1863, which was later relocated to the zoo premises.
The zoo is a designated centre for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or confiscated wild animals in the region.
It is one of the oldest zoological gardens in India.
The Lucknow Zoo, officially known as the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, is a 71-acre zoological garden located in the heart of the city. Established in 1921 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, it serves as a center for wildlife conservation and education. The grounds feature a dedicated State Museum, offering historical artifacts and natural history exhibits alongside the live animal enclosures. Notable wildlife species housed here include the Royal Bengal tiger, white tiger, Himalayan black bear, and various species of deer. The site incorporates a toy train circuit that transports visitors throughout the perimeter of the animal exhibits. Botanical diversity is maintained across the landscaped gardens, which include a butterfly park and a walk-through aviary. It functions as a significant urban green space, effectively acting as the lungs of the central Lucknow area. The park maintains a breeding program for several endangered species, including the swamp deer (barasingha).
The central fountain area near the main entrance or the viewing platform overlooking the tiger enclosure.
Use the toy train service to get an initial overview of the sprawling layout before walking.
Carry your own water, as the distance between refreshment kiosks can be significant during peak heat.
Plan your visit to coincide with the animal feeding times to observe increased activity.
Avoid visiting during the peak afternoon heat in the summer months, as animals typically retreat to indoor dens and viewing is limited.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor near animal enclosures; strictly do not feed or provoke the wildlife.
