Islamabad Zoo

The old Marghazar Zoo, at the foot of the Margalla Hills next to Daman-e-Koh, was closed by court order in 2020 after a long animal-welfare scandal. The site has since been redeveloped as a small wildlife display, with rescued and rehoming-bound animals shown in larger enclosures.

The grounds remain a popular place for a walk — the forested setting and the views back down to the city are pleasant, with or without the animals. Combine with the short hike up to Daman-e-Koh and the Pir Sohawa restaurants higher up.

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The zoo became the focus of an international animal-rights campaign over Kaavan, the 'world's loneliest elephant,' who lived alone here for thirty-five years after his mate died in 2012. After a long campaign and intervention by the singer Cher, he was transferred to a sanctuary in Cambodia in 2020. The zoo was closed by court order shortly afterwards.

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