<p>Metal ions are essential for the life of plants, animals and humans. Among several metal ions of importance in human life, Zn²⁺ is involved in a variety of biological processes and hence its detection is an important aspect of research. In this regard, we synthesised a 1,3-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl) amido derivative of calix[4]arene (<b>L</b>) and studied its interaction towards five different biologically relevant metal ions and three different environmentally important ones. Among these, the <b>L</b> exhibits notable selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn²⁺ as demonstrated based on fluorescence spectral intensity. The Zn²⁺ forms a 1:1 complex with <b>L</b> and exhibits a binding constant (K_a) of 48255 ± 264 M^–1 as derived based on the fluorescence data. The 1:1 complex formed was further confirmed by mass spectrometry. Based on all these data, a six coordinated structure having [ZnN₆]²⁺ coordination core was proposed. The proposed structure was supported by DFT computations from which the geometry-based features of the complex have been derived, thereby obtaining a better understanding of the Zn²⁺ coordination features with the conjugate.</p> Graphical Abstract <p> A new 1,3-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amido conjugate of calix[4]arene has been synthesised and characterised. The receptor exhibits distinct fluorescence enhancement upon complexation with Zn²⁺ when compared Cd²⁺. Computational studies reveal that each pyridyl-amido arm functions as a tridentate donor, leading to a distorted octahedral ZnN₆ coordination environment around the Zn²⁺ centre.</p>