Bucharest Zoo

Bucharest Zoo is located in Băneasa Forest, at 4 Vadul Moldovei Street, Sector 1. The institution was founded in 1955 as a service of the Municipal Household Section of the People's Council of the Capital, at a time when small groups of animals were scattered across Cișmigiu, Carol I, and Herăstrău parks, as well as in Băneasa Forest. Between 1955 and 1959, animals were gradually concentrated at the "Băneasa Zoological Corner," which opened its first visiting season on 1 May 1959. Since 1962, the institution has been known as Bucharest Zoo and was included that same year in the International Zoo Yearbook, published by the Zoological Society of London. The zoo covers about 6 hectares and is home to around 115 animal species, representing wildlife from every continent. The collection includes large mammals — lions, tigers, bears, zebras, dromedaries, and Bactrian camels — as well as reptiles, exotic birds (flamingos, peacocks, toucans), and primates. The zoo is organized into thematic sections, each dedicated to specific taxonomic groups or geographic areas. The institution runs captive breeding programs for endangered species and works with international biodiversity conservation organizations, as well as the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Each year the zoo draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it one of Bucharest's most popular attractions for families with children. It is reached from the DN1 national road, via Aleea Privighetorilor or Dr. Liviu Librescu Boulevard, by public transport or by car, with parking available both in the forest and along the street. Visiting hours vary seasonally, with extended hours in summer. Bucharest Zoo is worth visiting for the diversity of its animal collection, its educational programs for schoolchildren, and the chance to observe up close species not found in Romania's wild fauna.