Moscow Zoo

The zoo in the center of Moscow belongs to the oldest on the European continent and is one of the world leaders in terms of attendance. The number of visitors per year is approaching 4 million.

History of the Moscow Zoo

The zoo was opened in 1864. The idea of ​​its foundation belonged to the professors of the Moscow University Carl Rulye, Anatoly Bogdanov and Sergey Usov. They became the main inspiration behind the “outdoor zoo”.

The territory was chosen in the central part of Moscow, where there are many meadows and green hills and where it was easy to get to. Most of the first animals represented the fauna of the central part of Russia. But very soon, more exotic representatives of the animal world appeared among the inhabitants of the zoo, among them jaguars, elephant, rhinoceros, zebra. Many wealthy people of Moscow, including members of the imperial family, donated new animals to the zoo.

There are also tragic pages in the history of the institution: some of the animals died during the flood and the war.

In the 90s and 2000s, cardinal reconstructions were carried out. Open enclosures were built for the animals, as close as possible to their natural habitat. New pavilions were also erected, a greenhouse with tropical plants and various exhibitions were opened, ponds and pony riding circles were reconstructed.

In 2014, the zoo of the capital celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Moscow zoo today

Today, the zoo has about 50 main expositions, which can accommodate 7,500 animals. Here you can see representatives of various biological species, including giant pandas from China, penguins, exotics from Australia, spectacled bears. The Monkey House and the terrarium are very popular. All animals are kept in the most comfortable conditions for them, in accordance with international standards.

The zoo staff is engaged in the reproduction of rare and endangered species. Those who wish can become guardians of individual animals.

How to get there and opening hours

The address of the zoo of the capital is Bolshaya Gruzinskaya, 1, it is located near the metro station "Barrikadnaya"; and "Krasnopresnenskaya". The zoo is open daily, opening hours depend on the length of daylight hours. More information can be found on the official website.

Excursions are organized for groups of visitors, it is also possible to purchase a ticket from an audio tour.