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Kabul Zoo: A Sanctuary of Wildlife Amidst a City's History

Discover Afghan fauna and exotic species at Kabul Zoo, a landmark reflecting Kabul's history and resilience, offering a unique wildlife experience.

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Kabul Zoo, established in 1967, offers a connection to nature within the bustling city. It has been a popular destination for locals and tourists, reflecting both modernization and the nation's turbulent history. The zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, providing a unique wildlife experience.

A brief summary to Kabul Zoo

Local tips

  • Wear modest clothing in respect of local culture [4].
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you may be on your feet for several hours [4].
  • Check the latest information on opening hours, as they may vary [4].
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kabul [3]. From central locations, a taxi ride to Kabul Zoo typically costs between 470 to 712 Afghani, depending on distance and traffic [3]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey [3].

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation exists in Kabul, such as buses and minibuses, they can be crowded and may not be the most direct route to the zoo [3, 10]. A bus ride will cost approximately 98 Afghani [3]. From the bus stop, you may need to walk a bit to reach the zoo [3].

  • Walking

    If you are in the vicinity of Shar-e Naw, you can walk to the zoo [3]. Head east on Shahr-e Naw Street towards Asmayi Road, turn left, and continue for about 1.5 kilometers [3]. The zoo will be on your right [3]. Be mindful of traffic and pedestrians [3].

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Discover more about Kabul Zoo

Kabul Zoo, inaugurated in 1967, holds a unique place in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, serving as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a poignant reflection of the nation's tumultuous history [6, 9]. Nestled on the banks of the Kabul River, adjacent to the Deh Mazang Circle, the zoo has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a rare opportunity to connect with nature within the bustling city [2, 6]. In its early years, Kabul Zoo was a symbol of modernization and national pride [6, 9]. Supported financially by the government and with technical assistance from German zoologists, the zoo quickly became a prominent attraction, showcasing a diverse collection of Afghan fauna and exotic species from around the world [6, 8]. By 1972, it housed over 400 animals, representing 32 species of mammals, 85 species of birds, and 4 species of reptiles [6, 8]. Rare and endangered species, such as the Bactrian Wapiti and Goitered Gazelle, were among the prized residents, highlighting the zoo's commitment to conservation [6]. The zoo's fortunes took a drastic turn during the civil war in the 1990s [6, 9]. As fighting engulfed Kabul, the zoo became a casualty of the conflict [2, 6]. Shelling damaged the aquarium, and desperate combatants raided the grounds, taking deer and rabbits for food [2, 6]. An elephant named Hathi was tragically killed by a rocket [2, 6]. Despite the immense challenges, a dedicated team of zookeepers risked their lives to keep the zoo open, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos [6]. Today, Kabul Zoo is home to over 600 animals, representing 100 different families [6, 12]. Visitors can observe lions, leopards, bears, wolves, macaques, various species of birds, and other animals [4, 6, 15]. The zoo is a vital recreational and educational resource for the people of Kabul [6].

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