Lahore zoo returns to govt control after private firm exits contract

The management of Lahore Zoo has officially been taken over by the Department of Wildlife after the private company awarded the operational contract withdrew from the agreement. All services, including entry tickets and parking, are now being managed directly by the zoo administration.

The private firm had secured the contract on January 1, 2025, for a total value of Rs500 million. The agreement covered services such as ticketing, parking, and other visitor facilities.

However, the company exited the contract after six months and sixteen days of operation. Sources say the firm is liable to pay over Rs 250 million to the government as part of the contractual terms, along with settling outstanding dues such as electricity bills.

Zoo officials confirmed the development, stating that all operational responsibilities have been resumed by the zoo's management.

According to authorities, the private contractor had requested the Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to allow an increase in ticket prices and to bundle one additional paid facility (such as the dinosaur hall, reptile house, or aquarium) with each entry ticket.

The CWMC rejected the proposal, maintaining that additional financial burdens should not be imposed on visitors.

The decision to keep recreational services affordable aligns with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who advocate for accessible and quality leisure facilities for the public.

It is worth noting that after taking charge, the private company introduced bundled ticket packages that forced visitors to purchase entry alongside access to one additional facility.

This prompted strong public criticism and a response from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Punjab Secretary of Forests & Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who directed an immediate end to the practice.

According to sources, the private company opted to exit the agreement to prevent further financial losses and assured the authorities that all outstanding dues would be cleared.

On Thursday, the zoo administration officially resumed control, and the CWMC has called an emergency meeting today to decide the future course of management for the zoo.