Moscow Zoo

Moscow Zoo is a historic zoological park located in central Moscow. It was established in 1864 and is one of Europe’s older and larger urban zoos, combining historic buildings with more recently renovated exhibits.

The zoo’s layout includes a historic core and a collection of modernised enclosures for large mammals, birdhouses and specialist indoor pavilions; education and conservation programmes are part of its mission. Visitor services include walking routes through the valley-like site and indoor displays for year-round visits.

Founded in the mid-19th century, the zoo expanded through the 20th century and underwent extensive redevelopment and modernisation in the late 20th and early 21st centuries to upgrade habitats and visitor infrastructure. The institution continues to balance its historic fabric with contemporary exhibit standards.

The zoo sits within central Moscow, reachable from the city centre by public transport and surrounded by urban neighbourhoods and major roads.

• Founding date: Founded in 1864, making it one of the oldest zoos in Europe and a long-standing cultural institution in central Moscow.
• Modernisation: Has undergone major modernisation and redevelopment in recent decades, improving visitor facilities and many enclosures.

What to See #

• Historic Core: Main historic site with the original 19th-century animal houses and administrative buildings forming the core of the zoo in central Moscow.
• Large-animal Enclosures and Redevelopment: Modernised large-animal enclosures and renovated visitor facilities added during 21st-century redevelopment, including updated habitats for predators and ungulates.
• Children's and Specialist Exhibits: Collections and educational areas for children, plus specialised indoor exhibits for reptiles, birds and small mammals used for conservation education.