The Imperial Zoological Gardens, a facility showcasing a diverse collection of flora and fauna from across the galaxy, existed on Kailor V. This planet was located within the Arrowhead region of the Core Worlds. The gardens' establishment was authorized by Emperor Palpatine of the Galactic Empire. The Sedrian Shahlik family were responsible for maintaining the various aquaria within the facility. Before the [Battle of Yavin](/article/battle_of_yavin/legends], during the Empire's survey of the Outer Rim Territories planet Najarka, samples of its indigenous plants and creatures were gathered. These samples were then made available for research at the Imperial Zoological Gardens, a detail documented in an unclassified planetary report by the Imperial Survey Corps.
The Abduction, a roleplaying adventure released in 1992 for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, introduced the Imperial Zoological Gardens. Chuck Truett authored this adventure, which was published by West End Games. The 1994 Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races Second Edition roleplaying sourcebook by West End Games referenced "Imperial aquaria" situated on Kailor V. These aquaria were later confirmed in 2008's The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia to be part of the Imperial Zoological Gardens.