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Lucknow Zoo (Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden)

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs is an historical city known for its rich heritage, ancient monuments, historical places, culture, architectural wonders, music, dance, delicious Mughlai and Awadhi food and so on. Lucknow is the center of Urdu poetry and famous poets belong to this city which is also known for its tehzeeb. It is also the important centre of administration, education, aeroscape, commerce, finance, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and technology that plays a significant role in the development of its economy.

Several awesome and admirable historical monuments, fascinating heritage sites, palaces,  peaceful and attractive place of worship, beautiful parks and gardens, picnic spots, fascinating shopping markets, magnificent shopping malls, amazing amusement and water parks for fun and entertainment and several restaurants and food joints serving kebabs, biryani and other mouth-watering Lucknowi food makes this delightful city a perfect tourist destination. Tourists have various options available for sightseeing and enjoying their stay in Lucknow.

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Lucknow Zoo History

Apart from all these wonders in Lucknow city, all those interested in nature and wildlife and those who wish to  spend time with their entire family can visit the well known and splendid Zoo in Lucknow named as  “Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan” and commonly known as Lucknow Zoo which was originally known as “The Prince of Wales Zoological Garden”. It was established in the year 1921 in Lucknow to commemorate the visit of  Prince of Wales to this beautiful and capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Establishing a Zoological garden at Lucknow was the idea of Sir Harcourt Butler, the Governor of the State. It is said that the Nawabs and Zamindar’s had contributed towards the construction and maintenance of this Zoo.

Lucknow Zoo Animals

In the year 2001 it was renamed as “Lucknow Prani Udyan”. Later in the year 2015 it was again renamed as “Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan”. It occupies a large area of about 29 hectares and has nearly about 1000 animals of more than 100 species. This Zoo is clean, full of greenery, well maintained and pollution free. Lucknow Zoo has been involved in educating visitors about the importance of the environment and preserving wildlife. For animal lovers this is a perfect place to visit. Alongwith  watching the fascinating animals, birds, reptiles, aquatic and other wildlife of this Zoo, you can also explore the amazing State Art Museum, vintage train and enjoy a ride on the toy train situated in the zoo premises. Approximately 11 to 12 lakh people visit this zoo every year. Besides this many events like Wildlife Week and Children’s day celebration are held regularly in the Zoo premises.

Lucknow Zoo Entry

For children this is not only a place of fun and entertainment but they can  also acquire knowledge about different species of wildlife and ancient history and different articles of ancient times displayed in the State Museum. Recently E  ticketing inauguration was also held here. A huge parking place is also available at the entrance gate of the Zoo to park the cars, buses, motorcycles, scooters etc. The Zoo is actually being managed as a trust by the Zoo Advisory Committee along with the Chairman who is the Forest Secretary to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Vice Chairman who is the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttar Pradesh and the Administrator who is the Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttar Pradesh. An officer holding the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forests is appointed as a Director for the over all day-to-day management of the zoo.

Fascinating Creatures exhibited in the Zoo

In Lucknow zoo you can view approximately 463 mammals, 298 birds and 72 reptiles and many more other creatures. It is one of the zoo where you can also get an opportunity to see an orangutan. Many animals are spotted here in their natural habitat and it also houses many other wildlife as given below:

1. Indian and Exotic animals

Carnivorous Animals : In this zoo there exists several endangered and non-endangered  species of carnivores. Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Indian Wolf, Leopard/Panther, Jackal , Common Fox, Himalayan black bear, Sloth bear, Leopard Cat, Fishing Cat, Palm Civet Cat are the endangered species whereas Hybrid Lion, Jungle Cat, Hyaena are the non-endangered species.

White Tiger in Lucknow Zoo

Herbivorous Animals : Endangered species such as Chinkara, Blackbuck, Swamp deer,Indian Rhino and non-endangered species like Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopotamus, Hog deer, Spotted deer, Sambar deer and Barking deer are seen in this zoo.

Lucknow Zoo Deer

Primates : The endangered species like Hoolock Gibbon, Macaque Bonnet, Macaque Stump tailed, Rhesus Monkey, Common Langur, Lion tailed Monkey and the non-endangered species like Hamadryas baboon, Japanese Monkey and Chimpanzee also exist here.

Lucknow Zoo Monkey

Rodents: Indian Giant Squirrel one of the endangered species and  Flying Squirrel and Indian Porcupine the non-endangered ones are also found here.

2. Indian and Exotic birds

Different types of attractive birds that enhances the beauty of the zoo are also found here. The  Kalij pheasant, White peacock, Hill Myna, Indian Griffon, Spoonbill are the endangered species.

Indian and Exotic birds in Lucknow Zoo

Whereas  Bar Headed Goose, White Stork, Painted Stork, White Necked Stork, Black Necked Stork, Grey Heron, Common Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Sarus Crane, Cockatiel, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Rose ring Parakeet, Large Indian Parakeet, Indian Red Breasted Parakeet, Grey Parakeet, Albino Parakeet , Blue Parakeet, Military Parakeet, Grey White Parakeet, Conconoor, Rosella, Blue Yellow Macaw, Brahminy duck, Lesser flamingo, Red Jungle fowl, Golden pheasant,Silver pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, Edward pheasant, Ring Necked pheasant, Reeves pheasant, Grey partridge,Swamp partridge, Black partridge, Ostrich, Emu, Rosy pelican, Purple moorhen, Rosy Pastor, White dove, Green Dove, Greylag goose, Barn Owl, Great Horned owl, Eagle Owl,Mottled Wood Owl, Owlet Jungle, Budgerigar, Water Ducks are the non-endangered species.

3. Reptiles

You can also enjoy watching several kinds of endangered species of reptiles like Crocodile Marsh, Ghariyal, Indian Python, Indian Cobra, Viper, Rat Snake and non- endangered species like Sand Boa, Earth Snake and Turtle.

4. Serpentarium

The Serpentarium in this zoo has different types of snakes like the Indian Python, Indian Cobra Viper, Rat Snake, Sand Boa, Earth Snake or Sand Snake that are exhibited.

5. Aquarium

Lucknow Zoo Machli Ghar

You will be spellbound seeing the awesome aquarium displaying magnificent  types  of aquatics like Albino Tiger Shark , Albino walking catfish, Albino Red Tail, Alligator gar, Angel, Black Widow Terata, Blue Gourami, Calico Gold, Common Core, Common Gold, Crocodile fish, Fire Mouth, Flowerhorn, Golden Gourami, Kissing Gourami, Milan Corp Molly, Mono Corp, Oscar Paku, Parrot Fish, Rainbow Shark, Red eye Terata, Rosy Barb, Scat, Silver Dollar, Tiger Barb, Tiger Shark,Tinfoil Barb, Zebra Cichlid and Zebra Danio.

6. Nocturnal house

Nocturnal house having nocturnal animals  like Owl, Eagle Owl, Mottled Wood, Owlet Jungle, Indian Porcupine, Palm Civet Cat and Albino Porcupine is worth watching.

Also See : Amazing Things to Do in Lucknow

Floral Diversity in Lucknow Zoo

Different kind of trees, even those with medicinal properties are found in the premises of Lucknow zoo. Here you can find the Parijat tree or Kalpavriksha that are rarely found anywhere. Few of them are very huge and more than 100 years old. Hindus worship this holy and sacred tree. This tree also has several medicinal properties. The the fruit trees like Jamun, Imli, Mango, Mulberry, Kachnar  are also seen here. You can also find several  trees such as Gulmohar, Amaltas, Peltophorum, Cassia siamea, Bottle brush and those trees that are grown in forest like the Peepal, Banyan, Pakad, Sheesham, Arjun, Chilbil, Kanjir, Bamboo. Due to all these trees there is greenery and pollution free atmosphere inside the Zoo. Visitors can enjoy, relax and admire the beauty of nature.

Other Attractions in Lucknow Zoo

Apart from seeing the attractive wildlife in the Lucknow Zoo there is a beautiful Children’s park with many swings and slides. Children play and enjoy the most in this park with complete fun and enthusiasm. You can also go for paddle boating with your family and friends. Visitors can also take a glimpse of an historic aircraft Rajhans TU 124 which was used for traveling by  country’s first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru parked on the premises of the State Museum that is situated inside the Zoo. There is a spacious 3D auditorium with good seating arrangements inside the Zoo campus where wildlife related movie in real 3D is shown that can be watched wearing 3D goggles.  There is a canteen and food court within the Zoo premises that serves delicious food items, snacks, cold drink and so on. Besides all this, given below are many more other attractions in this wonderful place that can keep you entertained  for the whole day.

1. Vintage train

You can have a view of the vintage train displayed inside the zoo which belongs to 1924-period. It was initially used  for transportation of timber between Ikma and Chauraha over a track of 22.4 km. It was shifted to the Lucknow zoo from Maharajganj. For visitors this British-era train is an added attraction.

2. Toy Train/Bal Rail

In the year 1969 the Railway Board had gifted a toy train to the Lucknow Zoo that had an engine and two bogies which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 14th November 1969 the Children’s Day. The track was about 1.5 kilometres long and had all crossings and signals. The toy train travelled to every part of the Zoo after starting from Chandrapur station. Later in 2008 the engine of the toy train was replaced and a bogie was added. Though it was not very spacious kids and others enjoyed the ride. But in the year 2013 a decision was taken by the officials to redevelop the toy train.

Lucknow Zoo Toy Train

So, finally after 44 years  on Wednesday, 21 November 2013 the services of the toy train was withdrawn and the great and amusing journey came to an end. This toy train was then parked in front of the State Museum that is located within the Zoo premises for the public to have a view of the symbol of heritage. The new toy train replaced in place of the old one constructed by the Noida-based company is very spacious and has a look of the Shatabdi Express. It has four coaches and seating capacity of 84 people. A new track was laid with concrete sleepers instead of existing wooden sleepers on 22nd  November 2013 and this new toy train has been operative since 28th February 2014. It was inaugurated by Akhilesh Yadav the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This magnificent new Toy Train or Bal Rail in Lucknow Zoo  starts from the main gate of the Zoo and ensures comfortable and joyful ride and covers maximum sightseeing area of the Zoo and makes the trip an interesting and memorable one. Children enjoy the most in the toy train.

3. Pollution free Battery Vehicle

Pollution Free Battery Vehicle Lucknow Zoo
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The Battery Vehicle in the Lucknow zoo is operated only on battery. Thus it is pollution free and causes no harm to the environment. It has the capacity to ride 6 to 8 persons at a time. The ticket rate for having one round of the zoo in this amazing vehicle is Rs.25/- for an adult and Rs.15/- for children below 15 years of age. It takes about half an hour to complete one round of the zoo. Along with children adults too enjoy this entertaining ride.

4. State Art Museum

One of the most impressive and interesting attractions of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan commonly known as Lucknow zoo is the State Art Museum which was earlier situated in the Chattar Manzil and the Lal Baradari and then in the year 1963 shifted to this famous Lucknow Zoo. It is  a four storey building that has a huge collection of about one lakh different specimens that are displayed section wise. The Archaeological Section consists of ancient copper, beads and other instruments and devices, pottery and bricks, Awadh sculptures, beautiful terracottas from Kaushambi, Mathura, Sravasti and Bhitargaon, images of metal, seals, beads, stone inscriptions and copper plates whereas the Numismatic Section contains coins made of gold, silver and copper, paper currency and medals.

Lucknow State Museum

The collection of coins displayed in this section are from 6th century BC onwards. Vast  collection of coins of Kushan kings, Gupta Emperors, Delhi Sultans, Mughal Emperors and Oudh Rulers are also exhibited. Ancient jewellery are also displayed in this section. Jahangir’s silver zodiac coins that were made at the Ahmedabad mint are the two recent additions in this section. The Art Section comprises of  different paintings, textiles, metal ware, arms, amours,  woodwork, ivory, toys, decorative arts and many other ancient art pieces out of which some masterpieces have been displayed in the Indian Art Exhibitions that is sent abroad. This museum is also a centre of the natural history of Lucknow(Awadh), artefacts and scientific description of people their cultures customs, habits, mythology. There are innumerable  collection of manuscripts, farmans, musical instruments, modern objects of Awadh and many other items.

Out of the innumerable items exhibited in this marvelous museum some of them are very rare and of  immense value like a 16th-century painting of a scene from the Kalpasutra portraying an eleph of India, a 16th century copy of the Harivamsa in Persian with nine illustrations, a wine jar on which the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir is inscribed, a jade champakali with the name Jahangir and the date 1036 AD, an Egyptian Mummy and wooden sarcophagus.

A prehistoric anthropomorphic figure and a fossilised plant is also being displayed. Many precious sculptures that represents Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jaina pantheons and very early Ayagapattas, inscribed images of Saraswati, Bhita panchamukhi-Siva linga Balarama, Mankunwar Buddha, Simhanada Avalokiteshvara are also exhibited. You can also find well known epigraphs in the Indian historical records like Bhitari Seal of Gupta emperor Kumar Gupta, Hadaha stone inscription of Isanavarmana, copper plates of Harsha from Madhuban and Banskhera and excavations associated to the life of Lord Buddha. You must visit the Lucknow zoo with the entire family and friends and make sure to enter the State Art Museum to see the awesome ancient antiques and acquire information of ancient Indian history.

5. Butterfly Park

Recently the first attractive butterfly park has been opened in the Lucknow Zoo in Uttar Pradesh. It was inaugurated by the forest minister Dara Singh Chauhan. State government has allocated Rs 1 crore for the opening, development and maintenance of this fascinating park. This beautiful park aims at rearing and displaying different species of butterflies and also creating an awareness among the people about the adverse effect of increasing pollution and excessive use of chemical fertilizers on the butterflies.

Lucknow Zoo Butterfly Park
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At present there are about 28-species of butterflies and very soon more species of butterflies shall be seen in this park. You will find number of colourful and beautiful flower plants all over the park that can attract more and more different species of butterflies. You can get an awesome sight of variety of attractive and beautiful multicoloured butterflies sitting on different flowers and this sight enhances the beauty of the park and the environment.

6. The Nature Interpretation Centre

Nature Interpretation Centre Lucknow Zoo
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This is a Center in the Zoo that organises the ‘Touch Table Programmes’ only on Friday.  This program is held to provide important  informations about the skins of various animals, eggs of birds and pheasants, tusk of elephants, plaster cast of tiger pug marks and many other things. You can also find a press gallery that provides necessary information about the present and past status of the Zoo. The models of various animals and birds, that are extinct or are on the verge of extinction are being displayed outside the Nature Interpretation Centre.

Lucknow Zoo Location

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan or the Lucknow zoo is located at Hazratganj Road, Opposite to Civil Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. This place is well connected by Taxi, Auto rickshaws and bus.

How to Reach Lucknow Zoo

For visiting Lucknow Zoo, you can take an auto rickshaw, E-rickshaw or a bus from Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station or Lucknow Airport  ie. Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport  situated in Amausi in the city of Lucknow. The distance from Lucknow Station to the  Zoo is approximately about  3 to 4 Km and from Airport to the Zoo is about 14 to 15 km. You can also follow the Google Maps given below.

Lucknow Zoo Opening Days, Timings, Contact Numbers, Email Address and Official Website

Lucknow Zoo Opening Days Open From : Tuesday to Sunday

Closed On : Mondays and certain public holiday
Lucknow Zoo TimingsFebruary to April :  8.30 am to 5.30 pm

May to July : 8.00 am to 6.00 pm

August to October : 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

November to January : 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Visiting Hours for Morning WalkMarch to September : 5.00 am to 7.00 am

October to February : 6.00 am to 8.00
Lucknow Zoo Contact NumbersTelephone No. : 0522-2239588 (O) 2236538 (Fax)
Helpline No : 8005493617
Lucknow Zoo E-mail address[email protected]
Lucknow Zoo Official Websitewww.lucknowzoo.com
Lucknow Zoo AddressHazratganj Road Opp. to Civil Hospital, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Lucknow Zoo Entry Fee

For above 12 years of age the entry ticket fee (including Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre)Rate of Window Ticket : Rs. 60/-
Rate of Online Ticket : Rs.54/-
For 5 years to 12 years of age the entry ticket fee (including Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre)Rate of Window Ticket : Rs.30/-
Rate of Online Ticket : Rs.27/-
For above 12 years of age the package ticket fee (including Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre, Bal train, Battery Operated Vehicle)Rate of Window Ticket : Rs.100/-
Rate of Online Ticket : Rs.90/-
For 5 years to 12 years of age the package ticket fee (including Entry Ticket, Aquarium House, Nocturnal House, Nature Interpretation Centre, Bal train, Battery Operated Vehicle)Rate of Window Ticket : Rs.50/-
Rate of Online Ticket : Rs.45/-
Entry for below 5 yearsFree
Rate of Video Camera Ticket Rs.50/-
Entry Pass for Morning WalkRate of monthly pass : Rs.100/-
Rate of yearly pass : Rs.500/-
Concession for School Students 10% concession on groups above 50 students is available

Lucknow Zoo E ticketing

Now it is also possible to book entry tickets to the Zoo online. Instead of standing in the queue and booking tickets, you can book your tickets online in advance at your ease from your home. Go to the official website and click on E ticketing and book your tickets and then take a print of your ticket and produce it at the entrance.

Veterinary Care Facilities

The Zoo authorities give more importance to the health and care of the wildlife in the Zoo. They have made all necessary arrangements of Veterinary Care facilities. There are big and spacious Veterinary Hospital with special Veterinary Doctors to give proper treatment to animals. Fixed and portable X-ray machines, Mobile Ultrasound machine, Electrocautery, Operation theatre, Auto Blood Analyzer and Modern Pathology lab for wildlife are also available. There are special wards and indoor patient ward for wildlife animal. Rescue Van and ambulance are always ready to provide prompt emergency service.

Animal Adoption Scheme

Lucknow zoo has started a unique scheme  known as animal adoption scheme. According to this scheme any authentic  person or organisation can adopt an animal from the zoo. They have to select the animal to be adopted and must be ready to bear all the expenses from feeding to health care of the adopted animal. The  Zoo authority has all the rights to reject the adoption proposal without giving any particular reason.

The minimum adoption period is one year. Once the animal to be adopted is decided by the concerned person/organisation, the Zoo authority will prepare the total cost for the adoption of the particular animal for the adopted period which shall be not less than one year. The person/organisation who has undertaken the responsibility has to pay this entire amount  before the period of adoption. With the permission of the adopter his name will be displayed in the enclosures where the adopted animal is exhibited. He has to follow all the terms and conditions laid down by the Lucknow Zoo authority.

In case of sudden death or disposal or exchange of the animal, the adopter after discussing with the Zoo authority can get an option to adopt any other animal for the remaining period. Certain events are held by the Zoo authorities to encourage more and more people to follow the adoption scheme and willingly come forward to adopt one or more animal and accept to undertake complete responsibility and bear all the health and care expenses of the adopted animal. This scheme is the best step taken towards caring, protecting and saving wildlife.

Lucknow a multicultural city of Uttar Pradesh full of ancient historical places and monuments and impressive architectural structures is also known for it’s beautiful and admirable Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan or Lucknow Zoo which is a house of maximum number of endangered, non-endangered and even rare species and many other entertaining activities. An ideal place for adults, youngsters as well as children for one day outing, seeing astonishing wildlife, enjoyment and gaining information of historical things displayed in the State Museum situated inside the Zoo. Throwing litters here and there, plucking of flowers, causing harm to trees,teasing or feeding wildlife, making use of polythene  bags, making loud noise, consumption of intoxicated items are strictly prohibited here. For visitors especially children the wonders of the Lucknow Zoo shall make their visit full of fun, entertainment, knowledgeable and memorable one and they would also wish to visit this famous and amazing place frequently.

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