Private Company Managing Lahore Zoo Exits Contract After 6 Months

The management of Lahore Zoo has reverted to the Department of Wildlife following the early termination of a contract with a private firm initially entrusted with its operations. The zoo administration has now resumed full control over all services, including entry ticketing and parking.

The private company had acquired the management contract starting January 1, 2025, with an agreement valued at Rs500 million. Under the contract, the firm was responsible for overseeing public facilities, such as ticket sales, parking areas, and other amenities provided to visitors.

However, after operating for just over six months—specifically, six months and sixteen days—the company chose to withdraw from the agreement. Sources indicate that the firm is now obligated to pay more than Rs250 million to the government under the terms of the contract. In addition, the company is required to clear all pending dues, including electricity charges.

Zoo officials confirmed the transition, stating that the zoo’s internal management has resumed all operations. Officials also disclosed that the contractor had previously approached the Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) with a request to raise ticket prices and include access to additional attractions—like the aquarium, dinosaur hall, or reptile house—as part of a bundled entry ticket.

The CWMC rejected the request, emphasizing that increasing costs for visitors would contradict the government’s policy of affordable recreation. This policy reflects the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, both of whom have expressed a commitment to maintaining accessible and high-quality leisure spaces for the public.

During its brief tenure, the company introduced ticket bundles that made it mandatory for visitors to pay for both general entry and at least one extra facility. This drew widespread criticism from the public, prompting intervention from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Punjab Secretary for Forests and Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who ordered an immediate halt to the practice.

Faced with growing financial pressure and public dissatisfaction, the private company decided to step away from the contract. It has pledged to settle all outstanding payments with the authorities.

On Thursday, the zoo administration formally reassumed operational control. An emergency session of the CWMC has been scheduled to determine the next steps for the zoo’s long-term management strategy.