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The best zoos in the world

Singapore Zoo
It is rightfully considered the best in the world. Here is the richest collection of animals from all over the world. Animals live in conditions as close as possible to natural ones, unconstrained by the confines of cramped enclosures. Visitors are offered many interesting shows and performances.

The main zoo in Finland. Located in the province of Lapland, 80 kilometers from the city of Rovaniemi. It is located south of the Arctic Circle and is considered the most northern zoo in the world. About 60 species of northern fauna live here. During the walk, all animals and birds are encountered in conditions that are as close to natural as possible. Here you can see white and brown bears, beavers, lynx, snakes, wolves, wolverine, moose, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer, arctic fox, wild boars, otters, martens, birds of prey and domestic birds and other animals.

The oldest scientific zoo in the world. Founded in London in 1828 for scientific research. Almost 20 years later, the doors have opened for general public. It was here that the only quagga lived - an exterminated artiodactyl, a subspecies of the zebra that was photographed, as well as the only marsupial Tasmanian wolf, about which they managed to make a movie at the zoo.

It is the main one in the Czech Republic and is one of the largest in Europe. Its predecessors were various menageries, the most famous of which was called the Lion Court. It opened in 1931, and at that time it housed about 200 animals, and now there are more than five thousand. There is a unique pavilion here, the only one in Central and Western Europe, where giant Galapagos tortoises live. The Prague Zoo managed to create suitable living conditions for them.

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
Occupies 25 hectares in the center the most beautiful green valleys. The zoo houses numerous representatives of fauna from all over the world, including rare and endangered species.

One of the most famous in all of Thailand. Spread over a decent area, the terrain is hilly. It is home to more than 7,000 animals and birds. Most of the animals are kept in very spacious enclosures. The attraction of the zoo is the pandas brought here from China and their offspring, born here.

The oldest and most famous in Germany. Founded in 1844 and became the first in Germany. It was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War; out of more than 4,000 animals, only about 90 were saved. The popularity and fame of the zoo increased due to the polar bear cub Knut, who became the first polar bear born in the zoo in the last 30 years, and then babies. Another celebrity is Bao the panda, born in 1978.

It was opened under the leadership of the then President of Iraq in 1971. Before the military conflict, it was considered the largest in the Middle East. His collection included more than four hundred animals from all over the world. Now only 80 remain. Damaged by fighting and almost completely looted by looters, it reopened to visitors in 2003.

One of the most famous zoos in the world, was organized in 1970. Famous for shows with live crocodiles and a large number Australian wild animals that cannot be seen in other zoos. Steve Irwin is a star of Australian naturalism. Died from a stingray attack.

One of the largest zoos in the United States. There are approximately 1,000 species of wild animals that are kept in natural environment habitat. Everyone can observe the life of animals at a safe close distance. The only zoo, which is located in subtropical climate, which makes it possible to keep here some species of rare, exotic animals that would not be able to survive in cold climatic conditions.

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If, out of pity for animals locked in cramped cages and enclosures, you don’t like visiting zoos, then this selection is especially for you. One of the main qualities of these zoos, which makes them the best in the world, is precisely the fact that their inhabitants do not suffer from lack of space, but live for their own pleasure, enjoying all the conditions created especially for them.

Loro Parque (Tenerife)

The Tenerife Zoo, covering an area of ​​13.5 hectares, is incredibly popular - the number of its visitors reaches 40 million per year.

There is a magnificent dolphinarium - the largest in Europe - where various performances with killer whales, dolphins and fur seals take place.

It will be extremely interesting for visitors to look at the artificially created penguinarium.

The oceanarium, which amazes with the diversity of its inhabitants, deserves special attention.

In addition, in Loro Parque you will meet a wide variety of monkeys and parrots, beautiful white tigers, huge turtles, charming flamingos, predatory jaguars and many other representatives of the animal world.

Singapore Zoo

On the shore of a large reservoir in Singapore there is a zoo with an area of ​​28 hectares. Its territory is so large that visitors sometimes have to travel here in special electric vehicles.

In total, the zoo is home to 315 species of animals, some of which are rare and endangered.

Singapore Zoo has become the first to breed polar bears in hot weather. tropical climate. On at the moment this animal is considered the park's mascot.

Henry Doorly Zoo (Nebraska, USA)

A large green area of ​​53 hectares, on which a train, a funicular and even an air tram operate.

When visiting this place you can get acquainted with 17 thousand different animals. Be sure to check out all the zoo's pavilions: Desert, Madagascar, Aquarium and Jungle.

"Desert Dome"

Huge aquarium

The largest exhibition rain forest— Jungle

St. Louis Zoo (Missouri, USA)

About 19 thousand animals live on 36 hectares of this zoo.

There is also an impressive aquarium filled with various marine life.

You won't have to pay an entrance fee here because the zoo is free.

Zoo Miami (Florida, USA)

Although the size of the zoo is small, its beauty is simply mesmerizing.

Animals are loved here very much and we try to create the best possible conditions for them. comfortable conditions. And visitors here are given an incredible opportunity not only to take pictures with the local inhabitants, but even to pet and feed them.

Novosibirsk Zoo (Russia)

The largest Russian zoo is located on an area of ​​60 hectares, where about 11 thousand animals live safely.

Looking into the pavilion nightlife, you will be pleasantly surprised by the most beautiful water world.

Another pleasant surprise awaits children here - very colorful and original attractions.

Well-groomed, healthy animals, no bars or palisades, only natural barriers: streams, ponds, rocks and trees. Fairy tale? No, the concept of a modern zoo where animals feel at home. And people are visiting

Toronto Zoo (Toronto, Canada)

Canada's largest zoo houses animals from... different corners light, but the “Tundra Track” zone, where they live, is especially popular among visitors arctic wolves, arctic foxes, owls and other northerners. Polar bears, whom the zoo adopted in 2009, live in artificial dens among the ice. Toronto Zoo partners with Polar Bears International, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of polar bears.

Express information on the country

The Earth is in third place in terms of distance from the Sun and in fifth place among all planets solar system by size.

Age– 4.54 billion years

Average radius – 6,378.2 km

Average circumference – 40,030.2 km

Square– 510,072 million km² (29.1% land and 70.9% water)

Number of continents– 6: Eurasia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica

Number of oceans– 4: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic

Population– 7.3 billion people. (50.4% men and 49.6% women)

Most populous states: Monaco (18,678 people/km2), Singapore (7607 people/km2) and Vatican City (1914 people/km2)

Number of countries: total 252, independent 195

Number of languages ​​in the world– about 6,000

Quantity official languages – 95; the most common: English (56 countries), French (29 countries) and Arabic (24 countries)

Number of nationalities– about 2,000

Climate zones: equatorial, tropical, temperate and arctic (main) + subequatorial, subtropical and subarctic (transitional)

Edinburgh Zoo (Edinburgh, UK)

The only zoo in the UK and one of the few in Europe to keep koalas. Two males and a female spend time in a large eucalyptus garden, in their usual conditions. The gardens are the pride of the zoo and contain one of the most diverse collections of trees in Scotland.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (Washington, USA)

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, opened in 1889 as a division of the Smithsonian Institution, has been developing scientific programs for the conservation of endangered species. Giant pandas appeared here in 1972. For more than 40 years, zoo staff have been studying their behavior and characteristics. There are currently four pandas living here. These are the most famous and beloved inhabitants of the menagerie.

Red panda

Zürich Zoological Garden (Zurich, Switzerland)

Every afternoon, weather permitting (i.e. below 10°C), a parade is held here emperor penguins. A group of important Antarctic representatives walks right along the paths of the zoo past spectators standing on the side of the road.

Zoologischer Garten Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

During World War II, the Tiergarten Zoo was almost completely destroyed and most of the animals died. Today it is the richest zoo in the world in terms of the number of species (1400). Here huge aquarium, a high-tech Hippo House with a transparent dome and lush vegetation. At the Berlin Zoological Garden, rare species of animals, such as red pandas and ring-tailed kangaroos, give birth.

Primorsky Safari Park (Vladivostok, Russia)

Visitors walk through the park without barriers with guides. Here we managed to create so much favorable environment for animals that are usually conflicting species (e.g. himalayan bear, raccoon and otter) coexist in the same territory.

Bioparc Valencia (Valencia, Spain)

Eight years ago, a corner of Africa appeared in the old bed of the Turia River. Animals different types coexist in their characteristic ecosystems with original vegetation. In the savannah, giraffes, antelopes and marabou gather for water. Elephants roam among the baobab trees, zebras tumble in the sand with rhinoceroses, lemurs jump through the trees of Madagascar, hippos and crocodiles swim together in the swamps.

Dublin Zoo (Dublin, Ireland)

Ireland's largest zoo is registered as charitable organization- proceeds from visits go towards conservation programs rare species. The zoo collaborates with the Snow Leopard Trust, an organization created to protect and study snow leopards, and allocates funds to protect snow leopards in Mongolia, India and Pakistan.

Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan (Israel)

The zoo's environment has been recreated African savannah. Animals move freely around the territory. Visitors are offered excursions in an electric car in the form of a train. The zoo helps to rehabilitate wounded and sick animals, which are then returned to nature.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

In two zones of the Bird Park, the principle of free flight operates - the inhabitants move freely throughout the entire territory, covered with a common net fixed high on poles. There is an incubator in the park where you can watch the birth of birds, but many birds breed naturally- build nests without human intervention.

Al Ain Zoo (Al Ain, UAE)

One of the largest zoos in the Middle East (400 hectares). Half of the area is in the safari park, where lions and other animals live in wild desert conditions. In addition, there is a separate area for cats with an artificial pond and rocks. Among others, native sand cats and cheetahs live here.

Pretoria Zoo (Pretoria, South Africa)

The Apis River divides the territory of the National Zoological Garden South Africa into hilly and flat parts. Everything is arranged in such a way that both animals and visitors are comfortable. Flamingos indulge mating games, and spectators watch them from a platform that can accommodate 500 people.

This article by Svyatoslav Zelensky was published in the magazine “Around the World” No. 10, 2016

In anticipation International Day biological diversity BiletyPlus.ru introduces its readers to the very best zoos on the planet, which have gained fame and earned popularity all over the world.

What is a zoo?

Wild and unusual animals have long been kept “for the amusement of the public” and as their own palace “trick” by many rulers of the most different countries. Rare animals were brought from afar and given to each other by sovereigns. The question is whether these overseas living wonders could fully exist in a foreign environment, whether they could be properly cared for. Reliable written references to the first full-fledged zoos, in our understanding, date back to approximately the middle of the 15th century.

The main goal of the best modern zoos is not only (and sometimes not so much) the demonstration of wild animals, but also the preservation, reproduction and study of them species diversity. Including the rarest endangered species. Currently, about 40% of mammals and birds and approximately 54% of reptiles are under threat of destruction in nature - think about it!

Everyone is aware of the catastrophic situation with giant pandas, which the Chinese government even “leases” to other zoos in the world for the purpose of conservation and reproduction. But there are a lot of similar examples: David’s deer, Przewalski’s horse... And for all these and many other animals, zoos today, alas, are the only real opportunity not only to survive in our world, but sometimes, which is the special pride and joy of biologists, even to restore their populations V wildlife. This has already happened, for example, with bison and kulans.

Of course, higher we're talking about not about cramped zoos, and especially about mobile menageries, where animals are sometimes kept in inappropriate conditions. The main feature of modern zoos is the creation of conditions for animals that are as close as possible to their natural habitat; interactive with visitors (are you interested in hearing the world through “rabbit ears”, feeding a liger or, for example, jumping with frogs?); participation in various international programs on the conservation and restoration of endangered species. It is these real zoos that will be discussed in our mini-review. So, get acquainted, here they are, the very best!

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Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest zoo in the world. The imperial menagerie near the palace in its place existed since the 16th century, however official year The date of birth is considered to be 1752, when an elegant breakfast pavilion was added to the enclosures, and in 1779 the general public began to be allowed in here, free of charge.

Today, here on the territory of the palace and park complex, about 500 species of animals exist peacefully, many of which are rare and unusual, because the zoo specializes in studying the behavior and breeding of rare animals. And they do it with success. For example, here for the first time in Europe they were able to get offspring big panda, Amur tigers breed regularly.

And what is the magnificent Aquarium here worth, reproducing tropical nature Amazons, or Polarium - a pavilion for the inhabitants of the Arctic! Who else can you see here? Giraffes, serow, Galapagos tortoises, rhinoceroses, American bison, anteaters, red-crowned cranes, Asiatic buffalo, zebras, bearded vultures, hippopotamuses, koalas and many, many others.

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In London, in Regent's Park, there is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, founded in early XIX century as a zoological collection intended exclusively for scientific research. However, already in the middle of the century it was open to public visits. The zoo is not state-owned, but belongs to the Zoological Society of London.

It was here that specially equipped serpentariums, insectariums, aquariums and even a children's zoo were first available to the public.

Now the zoo is home to more than 750 species of animals and birds: gorillas, tapirs, lions, armadillos, penguins, hyenas, parrots, butterflies, lemurs, servals, flamingos, camels... Interestingly, in 2001, some large inhabitants like elephants and rhinoceroses were transferred to a branch of the zoo in Bedfordshire.

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The German Metropolitan Zoo is the richest in species diversity in the world, although only the ninth largest. More than 1,500 species of animals live here on an area of ​​35 hectares! Every year there are about 2.6 million visitors: at the same time, the zoo is the most visited in Europe.

This park opened in 1844, and its first inhabitants were antelopes. The zoo quickly grew, expanded, and expanded its collection of animals. And then the war happened and 98% of the animals and birds died, after which the livestock and structures had to be restored almost from scratch.

Today, in addition to enclosures and pavilions for numerous and varied animals, there are landscape park and even a three-story aquarium with fish, reptiles and amphibians. It is interesting that they try to provide maximum freedom to the animals here: you may well see pelicans walking freely along the paths of the park, or hippos communicating with antelopes through a low stone wall.

Visitors to the Berlin Zoo can feed the animals, ride around the grounds in special chairs, and even railway, visit the castle of King Ferdinand, take part in numerous entertainment events. Rare and endangered species are bred here and they cooperate with many specialized organizations around the world.

Zoo ()

This zoo became a world record holder thanks to its area: not much, not little, but 300 hectares of natural landscapes with stylized pavilions for each type of animal!

The zoo is very young, “born” only in 1980, but it has something to boast about. For example, a show of drawing elephants. Or the largest outdoor poultry farm in the United States. Or a giraffe farm. And even an abundance of exotic tropical greenery from palm trees to orchids. No wonder he is among the top twenty in the world.

Instead of bars, there are moats with water or glass walls, so Komodo dragons, black rhinoceroses, gorillas, Cuban crocodiles, pygmy hippos, kangaroos and white tigers can be seen almost at arm's length. For the convenience of visitors, there are bicycle taxis and a monorail, children's playgrounds, cafes and souvenir shops.

Ranua Zoo ()

And this zoo is notable primarily for the fact that it is the northernmost in the world, being located just south of the Arctic Circle. It was opened relatively recently, in 1983, and serves as a home for many northern and arctic species of animals that feel excellent because they do not live in cages, but in natural landscapes. In the zoo you can see musk oxen, polar and brown bears, lynxes, wolverines, reindeer, arctic foxes, wild boars and many others, about 60 species in total. By the way, Ranua Zoo- one of the few where polar bears have successfully bred in captivity.

Every year there are at least 100,000 visitors, for whom during the “hottest” winter season There are attractions like dog sledding and reindeer sledding. The zoo is also famous for the fact that it houses a large animal hospital and a pet park.

Of course, we have not listed all the wonderful modern zoos that delight visitors in the world and which have wonderful conditions for animals. Zoos in

In general, happy International Biodiversity Day to you, dear curious travelers. We hope that now, looking at some corner of our planet, you will definitely ask: is there a nice zoo there too? Take a look - you won't regret it!

Recently, on the pages of the famous travel supplement to the popular publication Forbes, a ranking of the most attractive zoos in the world was published, which included representatives from 4 continents.

Tenth position oldest zoo Austria's Schonbrunner Zoo, which turns 257 this year. Zoo founded in 1752 for a long time was closed to the public. Today, it was once opened to the Viennese by the husband of Maria Teresa.

Schönbrunn covers 17 hectares. Schonbrunner Zoo is part of Austrian history: hidden behind ancient trees and enclosures imperial residence in the Baroque style and a glass and metal structure erected in 1883 - the “House of Palms”. Many people visit the zoo not so much for the opportunity to see rare animals, but for the sake of studying the historical heritage of Austria.

Ninth place in the ranking is occupied by the American San Diego Zoo, rightfully recognized as the world's most progressive zoo. Most of The hundreds of acres can be explored by taking a tour bus or cable car. The zoo is famous for the largest population of pandas living in natural conditions. The desire to brighten up the lives of individuals of a rare and rather capricious species led to the creation of a huge collection of plants, including about twenty species eucalyptus trees and four dozen types of bamboo. Today, the San Diego Zoo is home to 4,800 animals, and this number is constantly growing.

In eighth position is National Zoological Gardens of South Africa., which is often informally called the Pretoria Zoo by its name hometown. Born in 1899, at the height of the second Anglo-Boer epic, the park received national status just 17 years later. The 198-acre area is divided into two parts by a river flowing at the foot of a high hill. Thus, some of the species that can be reached via two bridges live on a large slope. Official statistics states that the National Zoological Gardens is home to 2,570 species, of which only 1% of the inhabitants were born outside the national zoo.

Small in size Czech Prague Zoological Garden according to Forbes Travel deserves seventh place in the ranking. On an area of ​​just 110 acres there are 630 species, i.e. a total of about 4,600 individuals. Last year, the park celebrated several events: the birth of a baby southern pudud and komodo dragon. The population of rare Rothschild giraffes is gradually increasing. Over time, the Czech zoo has won the title of home for the rarest species on the verge of extinction.

The top five is completed by another American zoo - Bronx Zoo.. The New York institution is considered the largest in the United States: the zoo houses more than 4,000 animals, including many endangered species. The park is divided into several sections, among which the Asian wing of the zoo is the most popular. Traveling on the Wild Asia Monorail allows you to experience all Asian species presented at the zoo.

The fourth position is in the Berlin Zoological Garden. Founded in 1844, today the German capital's zoo is home to almost 1,400 species - about 14,000 individuals, most of which roam freely in fenced enclosures. Interestingly, after World War II, only a hundred animals remained on the territory of the Berlin Zoological Garden. During the economic thaw, the enclosures placed by Pieter Lenne began to fill up again. Note that the largest zoo, in which there are practically no classical cells anywhere, is part of German history. Built by order of Frederick William IV, it became a reflection of major events, witnessing changes in styles and entire eras.

Zoo de Beauval entered the top three, France. The Boval Zoo was reborn from a bird aviary opened in 1980. On quite large area kept only birds - only after ten years did the first exotic species, mostly African descent. Today, Zoo de Beauval is home to 4,000 animals, including marine animals. The collection of the Beauval Zoo is recognized as the largest in France.

The second most popular was the Swiss Basel Zoo, which the townspeople affectionately call Zolli. Founded in 1984, the zoo is visited by about a million tourists every year. Interestingly, such attendance makes the zoo the second most visited historical and cultural monument in the country as a whole. Basel Zoo has six hundred species, i.e. almost six thousand animals, including quite rare individuals. The most popular at the Basel Zoo is the so-called vivarium, which clearly demonstrates the evolution of species.

Topped the ranking of the most popular zoos in the world Animal Kingdom, built on a wave of love for Disney creations. The park in Orlando (USA) is divided into seven thematic sections, crowned by the Tree of Life: a structure about 40 meters high. The artificial crown accommodates 325 animal models, including everyone’s favorite Mickey Mouse. The mythical part of the park, Dinoland, is very popular, where you can meet real dinosaurs and magic dragons. Safari Village offers a unique safari experience that often includes non-African species, while the Asia section offers the chance to brave a raging river or walk along a tiger trail. That. Animal Kingdom shining example successful interweaving of ephemerality and reality, a successful transition from the world of animation to amazing world animals.