The Central Zoo was established in 1932 as a private collection for the Rana royal family before opening to the public in 1956.
The facility serves as a wildlife rescue center, providing care for confiscated or injured animals from across Nepal.
The central pond is a man-made feature that acts as a focal point for the zoo's landscape design.
The zoo participates in various captive breeding programs for endangered species native to the Himalayan region.
The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, is the only zoo in Nepal and is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. The facility is anchored by a central pond that offers recreational paddle boating for visitors. Its diverse collection includes native species such as the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and red panda. The grounds encompass extensive green spaces and walking paths surrounding the water feature. It serves as a significant hub for wildlife rescue and public conservation education within the Kathmandu Valley.
The bridge overlooking the central pond provides a clear panoramic view of the water and surrounding greenery.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the significantly larger crowds that arrive on weekends and public holidays.
Bring your own water and snacks, as options inside can be limited during peak visitation times.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths cover a large area and are primarily unpaved.
Avoid visiting during the height of the mid-day sun, as many animals seek shelter in enclosures and become less visible.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures, do not feed the animals, and dispose of all trash in designated bins.
