Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden

The Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden (commonly known as Lucknow Zoo) is the largest zoo in Lucknow. Sir Harcourt Butler, the state's former governor, proposed the concept that would lead to the development of the 71.6-acre site. The Lucknow Zoo, also known as the Prince of Wales Zoological Garden, was opened in 1921 to commemorate a visit from the Prince of Wales. 

A total of 26 structures and enclosures make up the complex. The primary entrance to the Narahi side of the zoo, known as the 'Sir Ludovic Porter Gate,' was built in 1936. In 2001, 'Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens Trust, Lucknow' was renamed 'Lucknow Prani Udyan' by the state government of Uttar Pradesh. It is home to a train, a nocturnal house, an information center, and an aquarium. 

What to look for in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden?

- An estimated 72 reptiles, 298 birds, and 438 mammals (representing about 97 species) can be spotted here. As one of just two zoos in India to house orangutans, it is a rare sight for anyone visiting India. 

- The royal Bengal tiger, the white Bengal tiger, the Himalayan black bear, and the Asiatic lion are some of the most well-known species here that grab the attention of many. 

- In addition to tigers, white tigers, fisher cats, Indian wolves, leopards, and a hybrid lion, this zoo also houses a variety of other carnivores. 

- Also found there are sloth bears, Indian black bears, jackals, common foxes, jungle cats, and a variety of other mammals and birds. 

- The facility also houses herbivores such as giraffes, hippos, and several species of deer. 

- The zoo also provides a safe haven for some critically endangered primate species, including the Hoolock gibbon and the rhesus monkey. 

- Check out the amazing nocturnal house, home to owls and other nocturnal species like porcupines. 

- Take advantage of viewing the spacious aquarium with all the bells and whistles as a call to the water animals. 

- Around 11-12 lakh people visit the Lucknow Zoo yearly to see the toy train, antique train, and Lucknow museum. You can take the toy train to virtually any area of the zoo. The length of the track is 1.5 kilometers. Trains from the British era were abandoned in Maharajganj and relocated to the zoo. 

- You can also go for a boat paddle in the zoo.