Moscow Zoo

In the very heart of bustling Moscow lies an amazing oasis of nature — the Moscow Zoo. This is a place where you can escape the city noise and immerse yourself in the world of wildlife, observing majestic tigers, amusing pandas, and graceful giraffes. The zoo has become home to more than eight thousand animals representing over a thousand species from around the world.

History of the Zoological Park

It all began with a large-scale animal exhibition in the Manege in 1862. The event was a huge success, but after it ended, a serious problem arose — there was nowhere to keep the numerous “living exhibits.” Professors from Moscow University — Karl Rulye, Anatoly Bogdanov, and Sergey Usov — then proposed creating a permanent zoological garden in the capital.

Choosing the Location and Opening

A picturesque area near the Presnensky Ponds on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street was chosen for the zoo. The organizers were attracted by several advantages: a convenient location close to the city center, easy accessibility for all social classes, and the natural beauty of the area with its green hills and the wide Presnya River. On January 31, 1864, the Moscow Zoological Garden was officially opened. The initial collection included:

• 134 specimens of domestic animals
• 153 specimens of wild animals and birds
• 7 specimens of reptiles

The core of the collection consisted of Russian species — bears, wolves, foxes, and badgers. There were only a few exotic animals: two lions, a jaguar, a rhinoceros gifted by Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich, and an Indian elephant — a gift from Emperor Alexander II.

Trials and Prosperity

The years of revolution and civil war were a difficult trial for the zoo. The buildings and enclosures suffered serious damage, and only the dedication of the staff saved the unique animal collection. After nationalization, the zoo was significantly expanded and improved. Even during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War, the zoo continued to operate and received about six million visitors. This was important for maintaining the morale of Muscovites.

Zoo Inhabitants: Diversity of Wildlife

Today, the modern Moscow Zoo is home to more than eight thousand animals of over a thousand species. The territory is divided into the Old and New sections, connected by a picturesque bridge over the street.

Public Favorites

Visitors are especially fond of:

• Giant pandas from China — so rare that killing one in their homeland is punishable by death
• Polar bears with a spacious enclosure and pool where visitors can watch them swim and play
• Cheetahs — the fastest four-legged animals on the planet
• Amur tigers — powerful predators
• Northern fur seals and grey seals

Baby Katyusha — the Zoo Star

At the end of August 2023, a landmark event took place — the first-ever giant panda cub in Russia was born. The baby was named Katyusha. For several months, the mother and cub stayed indoors, and in the spring of 2024, they began appearing before visitors. Now Muscovites and city guests can observe the growing panda in a specially equipped enclosure. In the same autumn, the alpaca family also grew — female Vatka and male Pufik had their second offspring.

Exotic Inhabitants

The zoo’s collection includes many unique species:

• Honey badger — the most fearless mammal according to the Guinness World Records
• Blue sheep from the Himalayas — incredibly agile animals living at altitudes of 3,000–5,500 meters
• Reticulated giraffes in the special “Giraffe House” pavilion
• Funny meerkats, constantly on “guard duty”

Pavilions and Exhibits

Primate House

One of the largest and most beautiful zoo pavilions, home to about 30 species of monkeys. Visitors can see orangutans, golden-haired guenons, and many other primates from around the world.

Exotarium — Underwater Kingdom

Upon entering the exotarium, visitors find themselves in a dimly lit hall where brightly illuminated aquariums recreate the landscapes of coral reefs. More than 100 species of fish from the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans are displayed here:

• Colorful butterflyfish
• Blacktip reef shark
• Moray eels with fearsome jaws

Terrarium — World of Reptiles

The terrarium features large and impressive reptiles:

• Reticulated python and common anaconda
• Black caiman and horned iguana
• Rhinoceros viper with pointed scales on its snout
• The famous crocodile Saturn, living in the zoo since 1947

Insectarium — The Kingdom of Arthropods

For lovers of the unusual, the zoo’s insectarium features more than 180 species of invertebrates. It houses giant cockroaches, locusts, crickets, and bird-eating spiders. Incidentally, a special insect farm here breeds food for many zoo inhabitants.

Entertainment and Educational Programs

Feeding Shows

One of the zoo’s most captivating spectacles. During feeding times, animals become especially active, allowing visitors to get a better look at them. Zoo staff accompany the feedings with interesting stories about the animals. Feeding show schedule:

• 09:30 — female Steller sea lion
• 10:30 — northern fur seals
• 11:00 — grey seals
• 12:30 — kangaroos
• 13:30 — wolverine
• 14:00 — exotarium inhabitants

Children’s Zoo

A special area for the youngest visitors, where kids can not only see characters from their favorite stories but also pet friendly goats and sheep in the contact zone. In summer, free performances with costumed characters and folk groups are held on weekends.

Open Lecture Hall

Twice a month, experts give lectures on animals, zoos around the world, and wildlife conservation. Attendance is free with registration on the official website.

Pony Club

The zoo hosts a children’s section where kids learn horseback riding and pony care. Some club members go on to pursue equestrian sports and participate in competitions.

Zoo History Museum

The museum offers insights into the history of zoos worldwide, the evolution of human–animal relationships, and the work of zoologists and keepers. A unique feature is its location directly above the enclosure of Samson the giraffe.

Holidays and Events

Throughout the year, the zoo hosts various themed holidays and exhibitions:

1. New Year celebrations with entertainment programs
2. Zoo’s Birthday
3. Tiger Day
4. Bird Day
5. Earth Day

In spring, visitors can witness a particularly touching scene — pelican chicks learning to swim beside their long-beaked parents.

Adoption Program

The zoo offers a unique opportunity to become an animal sponsor. By donating funds for the care of a chosen animal, the sponsor receives free zoo entry and can bring guests along. It’s an excellent way to support the zoo and visit your favorite animals more often.

Visitor Information

Ticket Prices in 2025

• Adult ticket — 1500 rubles
• Child ticket (ages 4–17) — 750 rubles
• Group tour (up to 25 people) — 500 rubles per person
• Private tour (up to 10 people) — 7500 rubles

Free admission is available for:

• Children under 3
• Students with Moscow residence
• Military personnel
• Pensioners with Moscow residence
• Large families
• People with disabilities

How to Get There

Address: Moscow, Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, 1 Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 19:00 (entry until 18:00) Nearest metro stations: “Barrikadnaya”, “Krasnopresnenskaya” The zoo is located in the Presnensky District between Krasnaya Presnya, Bolshaya Gruzinskaya, and Zoologicheskaya Streets. The main entrance is at the intersection of Krasnaya Presnya and Bolshaya Gruzinskaya. By public transport:

• Metro: “Barrikadnaya” (Tagansko–Krasnopresnenskaya Line) or “Krasnopresnenskaya” (Circle Line) — 3–5 minutes on foot
• Buses: routes m35, 69, c369, 116, 366

An additional entrance is located on Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Street via the Children’s Zoo — usually with shorter queues.

Useful Tips

• Plan your visit for the whole day — the territory is large, and it takes several hours to see all the pavilions
• Peak hours are 12:00–14:00 on weekends; after 14:00, it’s less crowded
• In winter, the zoo operates on a reduced schedule, but openings are kept on ponds for waterfowl
• Feeding animals is prohibited — it can harm their health
• Some pavilions have separate hours — check the schedule on the website

The Zoo’s Role in Science and Conservation

The Moscow Zoo holds the status of Russia’s main zoological park and serves as the headquarters of the Eurasian Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It actively participates in international programs for the conservation of rare animal species and conducts scientific and educational activities. In its nursery near Volokolamsk, rare species are kept to form breeding pairs and groups. Specialists exchange experience with foreign colleagues and participate in projects for the rehabilitation and reintroduction of animals into the wild. Interesting fact: The Moscow Zoo is among the ten most visited zoos in the world — welcoming up to 3.8 million visitors annually.

Conclusion

The Moscow Zoo is not just a place for entertainment but a true scientific and educational center where you can spend an entire day in the company of the planet’s amazing inhabitants. For more than a century and a half, the zoo has become a beloved recreation spot for millions of Muscovites and visitors to the capital while preserving its main mission — to connect people with the world of wildlife and nurture respect for animals.