Gaziantep Zoo

The Gaziantep Zoo, officially known as Gaziantep Hayvanat Bahçesi, is a significant zoological institution located in Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey. It holds the distinction of being the largest zoo in Turkey and ranks notably within Europe. Operated by the Metropolitan Municipality of Gaziantep, the zoo was opened to the public in 2001, following construction that began in 1998.

History and Development

The zoo is situated within a 1,000-daa (approximately 1.0 square kilometer or 0.39 square miles) area designated as a Wildlife Protection and Recreation Area in the Şahinbey district. This expansive site within the Burç Forests provides a substantial space for its various animal enclosures and facilities.

Key Features and Exhibits

A prominent feature of Gaziantep Zoo is its Safari Park, which was inaugurated in 2018. This park is dedicated to African animals and covers an area of 350 daa (approximately 0.35 square kilometers or 0.14 square miles), making it the first safari park in Turkey. Visitors can explore this area via buses provided by the zoo.

The institution also houses a Zoology and Nature Museum, spanning 700 square meters (7,500 square feet). This museum serves as a repository for taxidermied specimens and fossils of animals that have been part of the zoo's collection. Its exhibits include a variety of bony animals, winged animals, reptiles, sea creatures, and several giant skeletons.

Animal Collection

As of 2023, Gaziantep Zoo maintained a collection of approximately 4,000 animals representing 350 different species. The zoo's diverse species include mammals housed in dedicated sections such as a monkey house, camel-llama house, and enclosures for predatory animals like lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, bears, and wolves. Large ungulates such as giraffes, zebras, and yaks are also present, with habitats designed to mimic their natural environments.

The bird collection is extensive, featuring an ostrich house, poultry facilities, large and small bird cages, and specialized areas for birds of prey. Hundreds of bird species are housed, with designs allowing for flight in both summer and winter, and heated sections for tropical species. The aquarium is another major attraction, comprising 21 sections for both marine and freshwater life. Its main tank holds 450 tons of water, making it one of the two largest aquariums globally in terms of tank size. The aquarium section hosts 74 species and 2,700 fish.

Visitor Information

Gaziantep Zoo is open to the public year-round, including weekends and holidays. Summer hours, from April to September, are 09:00 to 18:00, while winter hours, from October to March, are 08:00 to 17:00. In 2022, the zoo welcomed around five million visitors.