The zoo was established in 1978 and originally covered 25 acres of land.
In 2020, the Islamabad High Court ordered the permanent closure of the zoo citing animal neglect.
Kaavan the elephant, once a resident of Murghzar, became a global symbol for animal rights before being moved to a sanctuary in Cambodia.
The site was historically managed by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board.
Murghzar Zoo, also known as the Islamabad Zoo, is located in the foothills of the Margalla Hills. The facility gained international notoriety due to the poor living conditions of its animals, most notably Kaavan the elephant, who was relocated in 2020. Following a court order in 2020, the zoo was officially closed to the public and its remaining animals were relocated to sanctuaries. As of 2026, the site is undergoing a government-led transformation into a wildlife conservation and animal rehabilitation center. Public access is currently restricted as the area is under development for a new ecological project.
Views of the Margalla Hills surrounding the facility perimeter.
Check official Islamabad Capital Territory government bulletins before travel, as the site remains closed to the public.
Respect the ongoing wildlife rehabilitation work if observing from the periphery.
Do not attempt to enter the premises, as the site is under redevelopment and strict security oversight.
Permanently closed to the public since 2020; currently undergoing site rehabilitation.
