Central Zoo Of Nepal

About The Central Zoo

Established basically as the private zoo by late Prime Minister Juddha Sumsher J.B. Rana in 1932, The Central Zoo is the only zoo in Nepal. The Government of Nepal finally opened the zoo to the public in 1956. The Zoo remained under the management of various Departments of the Government for various years. It was only when the zoo was managed meeting the standards when it was handed over to The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) in December 1995. The Trust has developed plans and policies to maintain the zoo and improve the living conditions of animals.

The Trust is an autonomous, non-profit making organization, established in 1982 by Legislative Act to work in the field of biodiversity with the people's participation. NTNC aims to develop the Central Zoo as a center for wildlife research and conservation education. NTNC has developed a master plan for the Central Zoo which has already received the endorsement of both the government and the Central Zoo Management and Development Committee. The Major thrust of the master plan is on three components physical improvement, animal collection and management and conservation education.

The Central Zoo covers an area of six hectares. It houses more than 900 animals of 123 different species. Among these 31 are mammals, 63 are birds, 9 are reptiles and 20 are fishes. The Central Zoo has 14 of the 38 endangered animals of Nepal. The Zoo is open six days a week and remains closed on Monday. This has been done to give the animals a rest and to allow the zoo staff to make improvements on enclosures that cannot be done when visitors are around.

Objectives

The National Trust For Nature Conservation (NTNC) is developing the Central Zoo as a Center for Conservation Education and Wildlife Research in Nepal. Its major objectives are:

To improve and maintain animal health and care within the zoo philosophy.
To develop the central zoo as a centre for conservation education.
To raise public awareness about the importance of nature conservation.

Physical facilities in the Central Zoo

Information counter
Restaurant
Souvenir shop
Paddleboat and rafting
Picnic shed
Couple chairs
Children ground (swings, funny temple, merry-go-round, Uranus etc.)
Elephant ride
Visitor center (with audio visual facilities)
Library (books and audio visuals)
Aquarium (sub-tropical fishes)

Admission fees of the Central Zoo (Effective from 1 st September, 2001)

Adult (Nepali)	NRs. 25/-
Children (Nepali)	NRs. 10/-
Adult (Foreigner)	NRs. 100/-
Children (Foreigner)	NRs. 50/-
Adult (SAARC countries)	NRs. 40/-
Children (SAARC countries)	NRs. 30/-
Video Camera Film Shooting	NRs. 3,000/-
Feature Film Shooting	NRs. 6,000/-

Note:

The Central Zoo is closed every Monday for visitors.
Use of Plastic Bags is prohibited inside the zoo premises.

Information Source : The Central Zoo of Nepal, Jawalakhel, Kathmandu.