Kabul Zoo: A Sanctuary of Wildlife in a Recovering City

Discover Afghan wildlife and resilience at Kabul Zoo, a historic sanctuary in the heart of Kabul, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's story.

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Kabul Zoo, established in 1967, offers a refuge for a diverse collection of animals amidst the bustling city. Despite enduring significant damage during the Afghan civil war, the zoo has been rehabilitated and remains a popular attraction for locals and tourists, providing a place for recreation and education [2, 3, 12].

A brief summary to Kabul Zoo

G553+VWJ, Asmayi Rd, Kabul, AF
+93780669577
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Local tips

Check the latest opening hours and admission fees before visiting, as they may vary [21, 23].
Dress modestly in respect of local culture; comfortable walking shoes are recommended [21].
Carry local currency (Afghan Afghani) for entrance fees and other expenses [22].
Supervise children closely and adhere to all zoo safety guidelines [21].
Stay updated on current safety advisories from your embassy and exercise caution throughout your visit [21].

Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are a common way to reach Kabul Zoo [8, 18]. They can be hailed on the street or arranged through a ride-hailing app [5, 14]. A 5km taxi ride in Kabul costs approximately 350 AFN [5, 14]. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey [8].
Walking

If you are already in the vicinity of Deh Mazang Circle or City Park, walking to the zoo is a viable option [2, 3]. Be aware of your surroundings and local traffic conditions.
Public Transport

While Kabul does have a public bus service, it may not be the most efficient or direct route to the zoo [8, 13, 18]. Taxis are generally a faster and more convenient option [8]. A one-way ticket on public transport costs around 98 AFN [7].

Discover more about Kabul Zoo

Kabul Zoo, inaugurated in 1967, is located on the bank of the Kabul River next to the Deh Mazang Circle in Kabul, Afghanistan [2, 3]. The zoo was initially created to showcase Afghan fauna and quickly became a popular attraction [2, 6]. In its early years, the zoo symbolized modernization and national pride, housing over 400 animals from 32 mammal species, 85 bird species, and 4 reptile species by 1972 [3, 6]. Rare species like the Bactrian Wapiti and Goitered Gazelle were among its prized residents [3]. The zoo suffered extensive damage during the civil war in the 1990s [2, 3, 9]. Shelling damaged the aquarium, and desperate combatants raided the grounds for food, resulting in the loss of many animals [2, 3]. An elephant named Hathi was tragically killed by a rocket [2, 3]. Despite these immense challenges, a team of dedicated zookeepers risked their lives to keep the zoo open [3]. The Taliban's rise to power in 1996 brought further uncertainty, but the zoo remained open after a zookeeper cited research that the Prophet Muhammad kept pets [2, 3]. Marjan the lion, who was born in Germany and donated to Kabul Zoo in 1976, became a symbol of the zoo and the country's suffering [3, 17]. He survived a grenade attack in 1993, losing one eye, and endured stoning by the Taliban [3, 17]. After Marjan's death in 2002, a bronze statue was erected at the zoo's entrance in his honor [2, 3]. Today, Kabul Zoo houses over 600 animals representing 100 different families [3, 12]. Visitors can observe lions, bears, wolves, macaques, various bird species, and other animals [3]. The zoo is a vital recreational and educational resource for the people of Kabul and serves as a reminder of Afghanistan's resilience [3].