LISBON ZOO
Location: Marechal Humberto Delgado Square
Contacts: 21 723 2920
The Lisbon and Acclimation Zoo in Portugal was inaugurated in 1884 and since 1905 it has been located at Quinta das Laranjeiras, in Sete Rios. It currently gathers a representative group from the entire planet, with around 2000 animals from 300 different species.
The idea for the creation of a zoo in Portugal, namely in Lisbon, dates back to 1882, two years later, in 1884, the Lisbon Zoo was solemnly inaugurated, in São Sebastião da Pedreira (private land), with a collection of 1127 animals available to the public, some of which donated by the Portuguese Royal Family and other personalities. A few years later, he was forced to look for a new location and between 1894 and 1905 he was installed in the Palhavã (where the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is located today).
Finally, in 1905, the installations were inaugurated at Quinta das Laranjeiras, in Sete Rios. The Zoo faced some health care problems with some species that were slowly becoming extinct in the park, namely chimpanzees.
On the other hand, others showed great vivacity and longevity, with bears, griffins, eagles and monkeys dating back to the facilities of São Sebastião da Pedreira and others that showed high reproduction capacity, namely cats, bears, deer, wolves and primates. The Zoo continued to receive a wide variety of African fauna donated by members of their governments and so, in 1911, the first exchanges of animals with other zoos in the world began.
The "Zoological and Acclimation Garden of Portugal" has been an Institution of Public Utility since 1912, by declaration of the Assembly of the Republic
On May 22, 1931, the "Solar dos Leões" was inaugurated, with the presence of the President of the Republic Oscar Carmona and other authorities.
Over the years, he has received donations from many rare animals. In 1961 the "Garden Zoológico dos Pequeninos" was inaugurated, a space dedicated to children.
In 1992, with the intensification of international relations, the zoo became part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and participated in the "International Species Information System" (ISIS) whose information program consisted of a database of all captive animals of the world.
The creation of the "Bird Reproduction and Treatment Center" allowed the zoo to contribute to the conservation of several endangered species. With this, the institution became part of the European Endangered Species Reproduction Programs (EEPs), having enrolled several species such as giraffes, rhinos, tigers, birds, bongs, red pandas - – it currently participates in 57 EEPs
Important to make the projects viable and their sustainability developed by the Zoo are the “Animal Sponsorship” Programs by companies.
The “Grupo de Amigos do Jardim Zoológico” ("Friends of Zoologic Garden") is a way for individuals to associate themselves with the conservation of animal life, anyone can become a member (it was founded on June 21, 1914, having as its first member the then President of the Republic Dr. Manuel de Arriaga).
The Lisbon Zoo has a wide range of attractions:
Cable car
The cable car goes all the way around the park, making it possible not only to see the entire zoo from a bird's-eye perspective, but also to enjoy magnificent views of Lisbon's urban landscape.
A memorable trip!
Enchanted Wood: birds in free flight
In this Enchanted Wood there is a space where birds from the seven continents are presented to the public. It is an outdoor space, without any restraint of the animals, where it is possible to observe their most spectacular natural behaviours, but also some of the skills taught.
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Little Farm
The little farm is located next to the Rainbow Park, allowing visitors the possibility to be in contact with rural life and farm animals. There is also the opportunity to feed and pet the animals and to observe the cultivation of various horticultural products.
Dolphin Bay
The Dolphinarium, inaugurated on 18 May 1995, quickly became one of visitors' favourite attractions. This space recreates a typical Portuguese fishing village where shows are held with dolphins and sea lions.
Train
The train departs from the park entrance and allows a visit to the Zoo in a very comfortable and convenient way, besides being an extraordinary experience for "kids and grown-ups".
Enchanted Wood: Snakes and Lizards
In the Enchanted Forest (besides the birds) visitors can also watch the presentation of various reptiles, such as turtles, iguanas, crocodiles and even a python snake several metres long, where visitors are invited to touch this magnificent reptile. Visitors are also given some facts and information about this type of animal.
The presentation of reptiles does not take place on days when the temperature is below 20º C (as we know they are "cold-blooded" animals).
Rainbow Park
The Rainbow Park is a large cage built in 2001 and gives the opportunity to be in direct contact with the birds that live there, it has no bars or nets.
Feeding of Pelicans
Here you can see how pelicans (waterfowl) feed and learn some facts about these extraordinary birds.
Reptile
It has one of the best reptile collections in the world and was recently remodeled with a bridge over the American alligator enclosure. It is kept at a constant temperature above 20°C.
Credits: Photographs - Lisbon Zoo
Visiting the Lisbon Zoo is a must for everyone who loves animals!
GPS coordinates: 38º 44'42" N 9º 10' 17" W