Moscow Zoo
The Moscow Zoo, also known as Moskovsky Zoopark, is one of the largest and oldest zoological parks in Russia, spanning 21.5 hectares. Founded in 1864 by professor-biologists, it has evolved significantly over its history, undergoing expansions and renovations to house a vast collection of animals and offer educational programs.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1864 by K.F. Rulje, S.A. Usov, and A.P. Bogdanov.
- ›Covers an area of 21.5 hectares (53 acres).
- ›Houses over 7,500 animals representing approximately 1,000 species.
- ›Features a "green platform" enclosure for raising young animals, a notable historical attraction.
- ›Includes a museum dedicated to the zoo's history and natural science, founded in 2008.
- ›Operates a Research & Educational Center, serving as a national training hub for zoo professionals.
Flamingo Pond, Fauna of China, Bird World, Animal Island, Polar World, Animals of Africa, Sea Aquarium, Creatures of the Night Exhibit, Sea Lion Exhibit, Children's Section
Giant Panda, Greater Flamingo, American Flamingo, Asian Black Bear, Scarlet Macaw, Green-Winged Macaw, Military Macaw, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Blue-Throated Macaw, Yellow-Faced Amazon, Umbrella Cockatoo, Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, Cockatiel, Budgerigar, Eclectus Parrot, Asiatic Lion, Spotted Hyena, Kamchatka Brown Bear, Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Siberian Tiger, Polar Bear, East Caucasian Tur, South African Giraffe, GréVy's Zebra, Common Ostrich, Slender-Tailed Meerkat, Sable Antelope, Kirk's Dik-Dik, Honey Badger, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Griffin Vulture, Indian Elephant, Bush Hyrax, Beluga Whale, Common Bottlenose Dolphin
About Moscow Zoo
The Moscow Zoo, officially Moskovsky Zoopark, is a prominent zoological institution located in Moscow, Russia. Established in 1864, it stands as one of the largest zoos in the country and is recognized as one of Europe's oldest. The zoo was founded by professor-biologists K.F. Rulje, S.A. Usov, and A.P. Bogdanov, who were affiliated with Moscow State University.
History and Development
Initially covering 10 hectares with 286 animals, the Moscow Zoo has undergone significant expansion and development throughout its history. In 1919, it was nationalized, and by 1922, ownership transferred to the Government of Moscow, where it has remained under their control. A major expansion in 1926 increased its area to 18 hectares. A notable innovation was the creation of the "green platform" in 1933 by naturalist Vera Chaplina, a special enclosure designed to raise young animals of different species together peacefully, which became a long-standing attraction.
Further renovations in 1990 introduced a new main entrance designed as a large rock castle and a footbridge connecting the zoo's older and newer sections. This period also saw the addition of new exhibits, including a sea aquarium, an aviary, a "creatures of the night" exhibit, a sea lion exhibit, and a section specifically for children.
Collection and Facilities
Today, the Moscow Zoo encompasses approximately 21.5 hectares (53 acres) and houses over 7,500 animals representing around 1,000 species. Its extensive exhibits are divided between the old and new territories, featuring a wide array of animals. The old territory includes exhibits like Flamingo Pond, enclosures for bears and the "Fauna of China" which houses giant pandas. The new territory features "Animal Island" with lions and tigers, "Polar World" for polar bears, "Tur Hill" for mountain goats, and "Animals of Africa" showcasing giraffes and zebras, among others.
The zoo also hosts a Moscow Zoo Museum, founded in 2008, which displays the history of the zoo and natural science collections. Furthermore, it operates a Research & Educational Center, established in 2017, which serves as a national training center for zoo staff and educators.
Former Exhibits
Between 2001 and 2014, the Moscow Zoo operated a Dolphinarium on its old grounds. However, this exhibit was dismantled due to concerns over unsanitary conditions and improper husbandry procedures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Moscow Zoo established?
The Moscow Zoo was founded in 1864 by professor-biologists K.F. Rulje, S.A. Usov, and A.P. Bogdanov. It was initially 10 hectares and has since expanded.
What is the size of the Moscow Zoo?
The Moscow Zoo covers a total area of 21.5 hectares, which is equivalent to 53 acres. This makes it one of the largest zoos in Russia.
How many animals and species are at the Moscow Zoo?
The zoo is home to over 7,500 individual animals, representing approximately 1,000 different species. This diverse collection contributes to its status as a major zoological institution.
What are some notable historical features or exhibits at the Moscow Zoo?
A historically significant feature is the "green platform," created in 1933, which was a special enclosure for young animals where different cubs were raised together. In 1990, the zoo saw major renovations including a new rock castle entrance and a footbridge connecting its older and newer sections.
Does the Moscow Zoo have an aquarium?
Yes, in addition to other new exhibits opened in 1990, the Moscow Zoo includes a sea aquarium. This was part of a significant expansion and renovation of the zoo's facilities.
What is the Moscow Zoo Museum?
The Moscow Zoo Museum was founded in 2008 and is open to the public. It houses an exposition on the zoo's history and natural science, with a collection of over 10,000 zoo coats of arms, paintings, sculptures, and drawings by renowned Russian animal artists.
Related Zoos
Kaliningrad Zoo
The Kaliningrad Zoo, originally established as the Königsberger Tiergarten in 1896, is one of Russia's oldest and largest zoological gardens. Situated in the city of Kaliningrad, formerly Königsberg, it spans over 16.5 hectares and houses a diverse collection of over 300 species and more than 2,000 individual animals.
Kazan Zoo
The Kazan Zoological and Botanical Garden, also known as Kazan Zoo, is a mixed garden in Kazan, Russia, featuring a diverse collection of over 1,000 animals and 160 plant species. Established with a botanical garden in 1805 and later incorporating a zoo in 1931, it has undergone reconstruction and joined the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, highlighting its commitment to modern zoological practices.
Novosibirsk Zoo
The Novosibirsk Zoo, officially named after Rostislav Alexandrovich Shilo, is a major scientific institution and tourist attraction in Russia. It is renowned for its extensive collection of animals and its active participation in conservation breeding programs for endangered species, making it a significant site for both public education and wildlife preservation.