Central Zoo

The Central Zoo was established in 1932 by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser as a private zoo; it came under government control in 1950.^[6] It was built under the engineering and project management of General Maheshwar Shamshere Rana (PM Juddha Shamshere's grandson) and his handpicked skilled and unskilled workforce. It was opened to the public in 1956,^[1] and in December 1995, the government handed over responsibility of the zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation.^[3] Although work is not complete, the NTNC has been upgrading the facilities so that animals can live in larger enclosures that simulate their natural environment. It is also working towards turning the zoo into a research and educational facility, as well as remaining a tourist attraction.^[1]

The central pond at the zoo is older than the zoo itself. It was built in the seventeenth century during the rule of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and at one time was the source of water for Patan.^[4]

The zoo is home to about 870 animals in 109 species,^[3] including 15 of 38 endangered local species including Royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros, as well as many animals from around the world including hippos, siamang, ostriches, chimpanzee, lemur, and many birds.^[4][6] It also has an aquarium for subtropical fish.^[3]

The zoo includes a library, a children's small fun park, picnic areas and paddle boats on the lake. Fishing is allowed in the lake during some parts of the year.^[3]