Lahore’s lively citizens are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with enthusiasm, but visitors to Lahore Zoo were met with a surprise as ticket prices were reportedly tripled. The price hike sparked public outrage, prompting Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to clarify the matter.

Ticket price hike shocks visitors

On the final day of Eid, families thronged Lahore Zoo to enjoy the festivities, with children insisting on a visit to see their favorite animals. However, many were shocked to find the ticket price increased from Rs. 80 to Rs. 300.

Visitors expressed disappointment, saying the zoo was one of the few affordable entertainment options for lower-income families. They also complained that food and beverage prices inside the zoo had risen sharply.

Attractions and missing elephant

Despite the ticket price controversy, attractions like the Dolphin Fountain and Suzi’s statue remained crowd favorites. However, visitors lamented that yet another Eid had passed without the arrival of a new elephant, which has been missing from the zoo for years.

Marriyum Aurangzeb’s clarification and action

Following complaints about overcharging, Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb took notice of the issue. She clarified that the general zoo entry ticket remains Rs. 100, while additional charges apply for specific attractions: Rs. 200 for the reptile section and aquarium, and Rs. 300 for the hologram exhibit.

Aurangzeb stated that 98% of the zoo is accessible for Rs. 100 and that separate counters are available for different tickets. She also announced the establishment of a complaint cell outside the ticketing center to address visitor concerns.

Highlighting the zoo’s reopening after two years, she noted that a record 35,000 visitors had arrived on Eid day, leading to some management challenges. She assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent such issues in the future.