The management of the Lahore Zoo has been officially assumed by the Department of Wildlife after the private company award of the operational contract withdrew from the agreement. All services, including entry and parking tickets, are now being directly administered by the administration of the zoo.
The private company had secured the contract on January 1, 2025, for a total value of RS500 million. The agreement covered services such as tickets, parking and other visitors facilities.
However, the company left the contract after six months and sixteen days of operation. The sources say that the company can pay more than RS 250 million to the government as part of the contractual terms, together with the solution of pending quotas, such as electricity bills.
Zoo officials confirmed the development, stating that the Zoo Management has resumed all operational responsibilities.
According to the authorities, the private contractor had asked the Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to allow an increase in ticket prices and group an additional paid installation (such as Dinosaur Hall, Reptile House or Aquarium) with each entry ticket.
The CWMC rejected the proposal, maintaining that additional financial loads should be imposed on visitors.
The decision to maintain recreational services aligned with the vision of Punjab Prime Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and main minister Maryam Aurengzeb, who advocate accessible and quality leisure facilities for the public.
It is worth noting that after taking charge, the private company introduced packages of grouped tickets that forced visitors to buy the ticket together with access to additional installation.
This caused strong public criticism and a response from the senior minister Maryam Aurengzeb and the Secretary of Forests and Wildlife of Punjab, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who directed an immediate ending of the practice.
According to the sources, the private company chose to leave the agreement to avoid further financial losses and assured the authorities that all pending quotas would be authorized.
On Thursday, the administration of the zoo officially resumed the control, and the CWMC has called today an emergency meeting to decide the future management course of the zoo.
