Nepal’s largest capital city Kathmandu provides its tourists with a plethora of historic sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and fascinating villages. If someone is traveling here to explore wildlife then the zoos in Kathmandu are a must visit. There is a lot that Kathmandu can offer visitors, and one of its well-reserved glories is the Central Zoo in Kathmandu Nepal. It was founded in the year 1932 by Prime Minister Rana. At first, it was a private zoo but later on, it got open to the public in 1956.
About Central Zoo In Jawalakhel
Worthy of appreciation is how the zoo came into existence when the rulers were more trigger-friendly than animal-friendly. Historians say that how the zoo’s very premises were once stable grounds for a huge collection of animals of Rana Rulers at that time.
The zoo is home to so many mammals, birds, and reptiles. From Asian elephants to four-horned antelopes, Himalayan blue sheep to water buffalo, Aldabra tortoise to Chinese alligator, this zoo has it all. The Hyacinth Macaw steals the spotlight of all the birds combined. The zoo’s opening hours are set to be from 10 am-5 pm and the ticket prices are reasonable as well. (Rs. 150 for adults and Rs. 50 for children.)
The zoo’s prized possession is the Royal Bengal Tiger. The Royal Bengal Tigers fall under the endangered species list and currently, there are 4 in the zoo. Among the exotic animals category, falls the African Hippopotamus and Narayani, a 5-year-old Royal Bengal Tiger from the Divyanagar Village Development Committee, Nepal.
Must Read: Paragliding In Kathmandu: 8 Best Places To Get The Perfect Bird’s-Eye View Of The Landscape
Things You Must Know About This Zoo In Kathmandu
1. Four Fundamental Objectives
The zoo has four fundamental objectives – conservation of animals, education about animals, research and recreation. Different zoos focus on different objectives based mostly on the requirements of the animals present there. Many zoos focus mostly on breeding other than taking care of wildlife. The Jawalakhel Zoo fulfills all the four fundamental objectives. In simpler words, the zoo tries to fulfil the requiremenrs of all the animals housed in it.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Museums In Kathmandu That Will Walk You Through The Historical Past Of Nepal
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2. Animal Feeding Sessions
The animal feeding sessions are the best to teach children patience and animal behavior as different animals react differently to the food. After that, to give a more original experience to the children the tour of the kitchen takes them through how the animals’ food is made. It is by far the most informative part of the trip as it explains how food is made for animals and how to determine what nutrition they should get.
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3. Perfect For Research Purposes
If you are a budding researcher in animals this zoo is the ideal place for you. As it provides a large variety of animals, and also they are housed in closed and secure pavements which allow you to go observe and examine their behavioral patterns closely. There are various nocturnal animals such as porcupines housed in the zoo, the children can learn about their behavioral patterns in the night tour guided by the tour guides.
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Kathmandu In 2022 To Explore The Art And Culture Of This Ancient City
4. Sarus Cranes’ Floating Island
The zoo is a host to a whole of many different activities other than all these mentioned above. The Jawalakhel zoo opening days can vary based on the season, so we advise visitors to check before visiting this place. The zoo’s educational programs are worthy of a special mention as the prime objective of the zoo is to set a friendly environment. The most interesting part of the zoo apart from the animals is the serene central pond to roam around the Sarus Cranes’ floating island.
Location: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
Further Read: 10 Places To Visit In Kathmandu In 2022 To Explore The Art And Culture Of This Ancient City
There are not many zoos in Kathmandu, but the central zoo is a must visit when you’re visiting Nepal. It is a perfect destination if you and your fellow travelers have a soft spot for animals. In fact, it is even better when you are on a family vacay as this is a total fun-and-learn-together experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos In Kathmandu
What is the best zoo to visit in Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is one of the largest cities in Nepal and one must visit the zoo is Sarus Cranes’ Floating Island. Not only for the variety of animals here, but also for the special structure of the zoo.
Are these zoos inKathmandu open all year round?
It is best to check with zoo authorities before you plan to visit this zoo. The zoo opening can vary with season and time of the year. Usually, they are closed during peak winter months.
Is it good to opt for a safari in this zoo or stroll through?
We would recommend strolling through the zoo first and then to top it up you can also opt for safari.
Can I bring my kids to the zoo?
The zoo is designed to be safe and it would be a fun activity for kids to visit this zoo. Also, some educational programs might be organized for kids with zoo permission.
What is the central zoo in Kathmandu?
It is a must-visit for all animal lovers, especially if you are travelling with your family. It is home to 870 animals in 109 species and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
