Zoo Atlanta
Park Large Atlanta zoo with giant pandas
A city zoo in Atlanta’s Grant Park offering primate and conservation programs, family exhibits and educational events; visitors come for animal displays, seasonal programs and outreach.
Zoo Atlanta is a zoological garden in Grant Park, Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1889 and occupying roughly 40 acres. It is one of the older American zoos and combines visitor exhibits with conservation and education programs.
Major attractions include the giant panda program-pandas on long-term loan from China-and large habitat exhibits such as the African Savanna and Asian Forest displays. The collection covers a broad range of species and emphasizes conservation and breeding work.
The zoo has been redeveloped in phases since the late 20th century to create modern habitat-focused exhibits and facilities for both animals and visitors, while expanding its role in species recovery and public education.
Zoo Atlanta lies in the Grant Park neighbourhood, just southeast of downtown Atlanta, and is accessible from the city center by car or public transport.
- Giant pandas: Houses giant pandas on long-term loan from China and participates in panda conservation and breeding programs.
- Location & visit planning: Located in Grant Park, within easy reach of downtown Atlanta; plan for at least a half-day visit to see major exhibits and feeding programs.
What to See #
- Panda Conservation Center: A purpose-built complex for giant pandas that supports conservation, research and public viewing of the resident pandas and cubs.
- African Savanna: An African Savanna exhibit with mixed-species habitats and large outdoor enclosures designed to replicate open grassland environments.
- Giant River Forest & habitat exhibits: Exhibits focused on Asian and North American habitats including immersive walk-through features and replicated forest environments.
How to Get to Zoo Atlanta #
Zoo Atlanta is adjacent to Grant Park, about 2 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. By MARTA take the BLUE or GREEN line to the King Memorial station and walk ~1.0 mile (20 minutes) south, or take a short rideshare from downtown. Street parking exists around Cherokee Ave SE but fills on weekends; consider transit or paid lots during peak season.
Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta #
- Buy timed-entry tickets online to avoid long lines on weekends and holidays.
- Head to the giant panda habitat first thing; the pandas are most active in the cooler morning hours.
- Don't miss the historic 1921-built buildings near Grant Park-most visitors go straight to the exhibits and miss the architecture and older enclosures.
Best Time to Visit Zoo Atlanta #
Spring and fall for comfortable weather and active animals; buy tickets online for peak days.
Weather & Climate near Zoo Atlanta #
Zoo Atlanta's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1287 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).