The Jodhpur Zoo was established by Maharaja of Jodhpur H.H. Umaid Singhji in year 1935. The Zoo is situated within the premises of the "Public Park" popularly known as Umaid Udhyan, Jodhpur. Various enclosures of the Zoo are mostly situated on the peripheral portion of the public park i.e. Umaid Udhyan. Within the Umaid Udhyan area are also centrally situated the 'Public Library' named "Sumer Sarvajanik Vachnalaya" and the museum named "Sardar Sangrahalaya".

After independence, the management of Umaid Udhyan and the Jodhpur Zoo (situated within) was entrusted to the Superintendent, Garden Department of the Govt. of Rajasthan. Subsequently the management of Jodhpur Zoo was transferred from the Garden Department to the Forest Department in 1956. Onward from 1956; the Jodhpur Zoo is being managed by the forest department of Rajasthan Government.

Why new zoo was required?

• Existing zoo was a heritage zoo and was not fulfilling the requirement of modern zoo.
• Zoo enclosures were not as per guidelines of CZAI.
• Therefore CZAI refused to grant recognition to the present zoo.
• CZAI has extended the recognition of the present zoo only at the condition that a new satellite zoo shall be constructed at Machia as per their guidelines.