LAHORE – After more than six months of private management, Lahore Zoo is back under the direct supervision of the Department of Wildlife, following the withdrawal of the private firm contracted to operate the facility.
Background of the contract
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Contract start date: January 1, 2025
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Value: Rs500 million
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Services covered: Ticketing, parking, and visitor facilities
The company ran operations for six months and sixteen days before terminating the agreement.
Financial liabilities
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The contractor is liable to pay over Rs250 million to the government
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Pending dues, including electricity bills, must also be settled
Dispute over ticket pricing
The contractor requested the Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to:
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Increase ticket prices
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Bundle access to one extra paid facility (dinosaur hall, reptile house, or aquarium) with every entry ticket
The CWMC rejected the proposal, citing public interest and affordability.
This stance reflects the policy of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who advocate affordable recreational spaces.
Public backlash over bundled tickets
Earlier, the private company introduced mandatory bundled ticket packages, which triggered strong criticism. Senior Minister Aurangzeb and Punjab’s Secretary of Forests & Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, intervened and ordered the practice to stop immediately.
Exit to avoid further losses
Facing financial strain and growing scrutiny, the private operator decided to exit the deal. The company has promised to clear all dues.
The zoo administration resumed control on Thursday, while the CWMC has convened an emergency meeting to decide the zoo’s future management plan.