The Lahore Zoo has been privatized under a three-year contract awarded to a private company for Rs. 500 million. This includes managing parking, entry tickets, and various services, surpassing the reserve price of Rs. 320 million by Rs. 180 million.
The contractor will oversee ticket counters, parking areas, and attractions like the aquarium, snake house, aviary, and holo-verse virtual reality experience. Entry tickets remain at Rs. 100, with additional charges for attractions such as Rs. 200 for the snake house and Rs. 300 for the holo-verse.
The zoo administration will continue caring for most animals, while the contractor handles birds, reptiles, and fish maintenance. Further auctions for swings, rides, and cafeteria services aim to increase revenue.
Director Mudasir Hassan credited the success to the strategy of the DG Wildlife and Zoo Management Committee. A major revamp in 2023, costing Rs. 183 crore, added new species and attractions, including the Rs. 20 million holo-verse facility.
The contractor will face a 10% contract increase in the second year and must share 10% of entry revenue beyond 2.8 million visitors annually. Authorities assured that general entry and parking fees would not rise, though new services have separate charges.