The zoo started in 1978 as a refuge for leopards, spotted deer, and Indian gazelle found in the region, and was administered by Capital Development Authority.

The Capital Development Authority devised a plan in August 2008 to upgrade and extend the zoo as a recreational area and wildlife sanctuary.

[6] In September 2016, the 32 year-old Asian elephant named Kaavan, turned mentally ill due to being chain bound for the last two decades.

The zoo was also criticised for the insufficient or bad quality of food, the small cages they are put in, and their poor health.

The ministry intends to establish the zoo as a conservation centre,[13] with facilities to treat and rehabilitate injured wildlife.