It is home to some 969 animals in 109 species, and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).

It was opened to the public in 1956,[1] and in December 1995, the government handed over responsibility of the zoo to the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

[2] Although work is not complete, the NTNC has been upgrading the facilities so that animals can live in larger enclosures that simulate their natural environment.

It is also working towards turning the zoo into a research and educational facility, as well as remaining a tourist attraction.

It was built in the seventeenth century during the rule of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, and at one time was the source of water for Patan.