The garden was established in 1921 to welcome the Prince of Wales to Lucknow.
It covers an extensive 71.6-acre area in the center of the city.
The zoo is a recognized center for the successful captive breeding of the Swamp Deer (Barasingha).
It houses the Lucknow State Museum, which was relocated to the zoo premises in 1963.
The grounds contain an old toy train that has been a long-standing feature for visitors.
The zoo features a specific nocturnal house to facilitate the observation of night-active animals.
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, formerly the Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens, is a 71.6-acre facility located in the heart of Lucknow. Established in 1921 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, it houses a wide array of exotic species including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, and Indian Rhinoceros. The zoo serves as a major conservation center, focusing on the captive breeding of endangered species like the Swamp Deer. The grounds contain a State Museum, which features historical artifacts and natural history exhibits. The park landscape includes a notable variety of botanical specimens and artificial water bodies designed to simulate natural habitats. It functions as a public leisure space while maintaining active wildlife rehabilitation programs.
The central lake area, which provides a scenic backdrop of the zoo's dense greenery and frequent bird sightings.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and involve significant distances.
Carry a reusable water bottle, as walking the full circuit can be physically demanding in the heat.
Visit the State Museum located within the zoo complex to combine wildlife viewing with local history.
Avoid visiting during the peak afternoon heat in summer, as most animals will retreat to their shaded shelters and become invisible to visitors.
Closed on Mondays for routine maintenance and animal care.
Maintain a respectful distance from enclosures, refrain from feeding the animals, and avoid making loud noises near nesting or sleeping areas.
