ZOOS ROMANIA

Microrezervație Constanța is a nature micro-reserve spanning approximately 12 hectares and forming part of the Natural Sciences Museum Complex in Constanța, Romania. Opened to the public in 1985, the reserve was designed to offer visitors a representative glimpse of Dobrogean nature, featuring a water body surrounded by willows and marsh vegetation that replicates a lake ecosystem. The facility houses 46 animal and bird species with over 170 specimens, including freshwater fish from the Danube Delta and Romanian coast — such as carp, crucian carp, sturgeon, and catfish — alongside green iguanas and dry-land tortoises. An exotic birds exhibition adds further appeal, with 16 bird species housed in large, well-appointed aviaries. School visits and volunteer feeding programmes make the micro-reserve a lively educational destination on the Black Sea coast.

Vivariul Bacău is a vivarium and permanent animal exhibition situated at Popa Șapcă Street in Bacău, Romania, operating as part of the Ion Borcea Natural Sciences Museum Complex. The facility presents a diverse collection of living animals across terrariums and aquariums designed to replicate natural conditions, featuring exotic singing and ornamental birds such as canaries, parakeets, and parrots, native and exotic reptiles including vipers, boa constrictors, and turtles, amphibians, ornamental pigeons housed in a large aviary, and both local river fish and tropical aquatic species. Rotating temporary exhibitions on themes such as local flora, mushrooms, and nature photography complement the permanent displays, while educational programming supports school and group visits. The vivarium provides a welcoming and informative experience for all ages in the heart of Bacău.

Zoo Brașov is a zoological garden situated at str. Brazilor nr. 1 in Brașov, Romania, set against the backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains. The zoo houses over 100 species including African lions, Siberian tigers, jaguars, red pandas, penguins, and a variety of raptors, along with an aquarium featuring exotic fish. Visitors can take part in educational workshops, keeper dialogues, and even visit an on-site planetarium. A proud full member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Zoo Brașov is strongly committed to conservation under its motto "Adopt at the zoo, conserve in nature," inviting guests to sponsor animals and support wildlife protection efforts. Reduced-price tickets and free entry for children under six make this an ideal family outing in one of Romania's most scenic cities.

Zoo Târgu Mureș is Romania's largest zoological garden by area, spanning 42 hectares on the outskirts of Târgu Mureș and home to approximately 800 animals representing over 150 species. The collection includes elephants, giraffes, gibbons, meerkats, tortoises, and alpine goats, with six daily public feeding sessions and interactive animal encounters keeping visitors engaged throughout the day. A modern recreational plateau features playgrounds, fitness zones, and cycling paths, making the zoo equally welcoming for families and active visitors. As a partner of EAZA and participant in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), the zoo upholds high conservation standards. Annual passes, a mobile app with interactive maps, and special member events round out the experience at this outstanding wildlife destination in central Romania.

Grădina Zoologică Râmnicu Vâlcea is a public zoological garden located in Râmnicu Vâlcea, the capital of Vâlcea County in southern Romania. Set within the city's green spaces, the zoo presents a variety of native and exotic animals, including wolves, swans, and numerous other species, offering a family-friendly environment for wildlife observation and outdoor leisure. The attraction serves as an educational and recreational destination for both local residents and visitors exploring the broader tourism offerings of the Vâlcea region, which includes thermal spas, historic monasteries, and scenic landscapes. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a pleasant outing in a natural setting while learning about Romania's diverse fauna.

Grădina Zoologică Rădăuți is a zoological park spanning 10 hectares on Ștefan cel Mare Street in Rădăuți, Suceava County, in the Bucovina region of northeastern Romania. Established in 1976 and expanded between 2008 and 2009, the zoo is the only zoological facility in the historical Moldova region and is home to over 140 animals from a wide range of species. Visitors can admire Siberian lions and tigers, various species of monkeys (the main attraction), horses and ponies, foxes, bears, llamas, swans, and numerous bird species and subspecies from all continents. Many animal species have successfully reproduced in captivity at this zoo, with some individuals representing the third or fourth captive generation, reflecting the park's dedication to animal husbandry and wildlife education.

Grădina Zoologică Pitești is a well-established zoological garden covering 12 hectares within Trivale Park in Pitești, the capital of Argeș County in southern Romania. Inaugurated in 1950, the zoo provides a home for over 1,790 animals, birds, and fish across 45 species, including tigers, lions, bears, wolves, emus, peacocks, white buffalo, deer, monkeys, otters, Cameroon goats, exotic parrots, and various birds of prey. Among the notable residents are unique specimens rarely found elsewhere in Romania, such as the Tibetan bear, the dingo, rare species of macaws, Kiangi antelopes, and Watusii cattle. Nestled in the lush greenery of Trivale Park, the zoo offers a rewarding family experience and a chance to discover some of Romania's most remarkable captive wildlife.

Oradea Zoo is a diverse zoological garden located on Str. Matei Basarab in Oradea, the capital of Bihor County in northwestern Romania. The facility showcases a wide variety of wildlife organized across multiple categories, including carnivores, herbivores, and omnivorous mammals, native and exotic birds, reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and tortoises, and fish exhibits. The zoo is committed to education and conservation, offering school programs, popular "Night at the Zoo" events, and an animal adoption sponsorship scheme. Operating seasonally with extended hours from April through August, Oradea Zoo positions itself as a "universe of innocent imagination," making it a welcoming destination for families, children, and animal enthusiasts who wish to connect with wildlife while supporting responsible animal care.

Bucharest Zoo is the capital city's principal wildlife attraction, located within a 5.85-hectare site and welcoming more than 300,000 visitors each year since its opening in 1955. The zoo is home to over 150 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, including tigers, lions, bears, primates, and a broad assortment of exotic and rare wildlife. Exhibits are organized by animal type — mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates — and habitats are designed to reflect each species' natural environment. Bucharest Zoo actively participates in international conservation initiatives, with efforts focused on protecting endangered species such as gray wolves and rare exotic birds. Its central Bucharest location, accessible via public transport, and its broad educational programming make it an ideal family and educational destination in the heart of Romania's vibrant capital.

Zoo Târgoviște is a zoological garden situated in Chindia Park, near the historic Royal Court Museum Complex in Târgoviște, Romania, and has been welcoming visitors at this location since the early 1970s. Spread across 4 hectares, the zoo houses approximately 166 species of birds and animals from every continent, attracting around 100,000 visitors annually. Among its remarkable residents are the rare Pygmy hippopotamus, the Black Crested Mangabey monkey, large cats, chimpanzees, crocodiles, iguanas, stingrays, and a wide variety of reptiles. Since 1998, the zoo has undergone continuous development to improve animal welfare and enhance the visitor experience. Located within one of Romania's most historically significant towns, the zoo combines wildlife discovery with proximity to important cultural and heritage landmarks.

Zooparc Moara de Vânt, also known as Zooparc Cluj, is an interactive wildlife park and family amusement destination located in Sălicea, near Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The park is home to over 500 animals from more than 85 species, including alpacas, zebras, llamas, camels, parrots, monkeys, deer, guinea pigs, ponies, and horses, all of which visitors are encouraged to hand-feed and pet. Beyond its animal encounters, the park features horseback riding, a toy train, an inflatable castle, an adventure park with zip-lines, and a restaurant, making it a full-day outing for families with children. On-site camping cabins and accommodation options allow for extended stays. Open from spring through autumn with daily hours, Zooparc Moara de Vânt offers a uniquely hands-on and memorable wildlife experience in the scenic landscape around Cluj.

Grădina Zoologică Reșița, officially known as Grădina Zoologică "Ioan Crișan" Reșița, is the largest zoo in western Romania. Founded in 1965 and modernized in 2013, the zoo covers 5.6 hectares in the city of Reșița in Caraș-Severin County. It currently houses 267 animals and birds from 41 species, including bison, tigers, lions, bears, emus, llamas, maras, nutrias, and muntjacs. A standout resident is Amadeus, a rare white Baroque donkey — an unusual sight in Romanian zoos. Recent additions include a pair of white wolves and two tigers, reflecting the zoo's ongoing efforts to diversify its collection through exchanges with other Romanian institutions. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the zoo offers an educational and enjoyable experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts in the Banat region.

Grădina Zoologică Bejan is a small zoological garden set within the tranquil Bejan Park in Deva, the capital of Hunedoara County in western Romania. The zoo occupies approximately 2.42 hectares of green space adorned with flowerbeds, ornamental shrubs, and mature trees, creating a pleasant natural setting for both animals and visitors. The resident animal collection includes deer, wild boar, ostriches, and ponies, with the wider park also featuring playgrounds for children, benches for relaxation, an ornamental fountain, and a gazebo that hosts city band performances during public holidays. Entry to the zoo is free of charge, making it an accessible leisure destination for families and local residents seeking a peaceful outdoor escape in the heart of Deva.

Grădina zoologică din Craiova is one of Romania's oldest zoos, inaugurated in 1906 and located within the celebrated Nicolae Romanescu Park — one of the country's most beautiful urban green spaces — in Craiova, the capital of Dolj County in southern Romania. The zoo is home to over 40 species, with nearly 270 animals including lions, tigers, bears, mouflons, and a rich variety of birds. Animal habitats have been extensively renovated, with outdoor enclosures and buildings redesigned to replicate natural surroundings as closely as possible, complete with shaded areas and spacious aviaries. Access to the zoo is free for all visitors, and its location within Romanescu Park means guests can also enjoy landscaped gardens, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths, making the zoo a beloved destination for families, students, and nature lovers throughout the region.

Grădina Zoologică Galați, located in the Gârboavele Forest some 17 kilometers from the city of Galați in southeastern Romania, is a zoological garden set within a national forest reserve and covering 7 hectares of natural woodland. The zoo is home to approximately 30 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, with residents including lions, Siberian tigers, brown bears, wolves, foxes, fallow deer, Carpathian deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkeys, pheasants, owls, tortoises, ponies, and rabbits. Its conservation programme was developed in partnership with EAZA specialists in 1997, focusing on protecting rare species and educating the public. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding on-site, adding a recreational dimension to the wildlife experience. Open year-round with varying seasonal hours, the zoo offers a peaceful forest setting ideal for family outings and wildlife discovery.

Calarasi Zoo, also known as Zoo Garden Călărași, is a zoological garden administered by the Călărași City Hall in the town of Călărași, southern Romania, and is considered one of the largest zoos in the country in terms of species variety. The zoo is home to an impressive collection that includes lions, Siberian tigers, leopards, jaguars, hippopotamus, grizzly bears, Tibetan bears, baboons, deer, raccoons, and a wide range of exotic birds such as pelicans, parrots, peacocks, ostriches, and emus. A dedicated Aquaterrarium building houses piranhas, Nile crocodiles, pythons, boas, iguanas, turtles, and tarantulas. Notably, Calarasi Zoo is the only facility in Romania that breeds jaguars, Siberian tigers, and emus, and has successfully produced over 50 Siberian tiger cubs, underscoring its vital role in species conservation and captive breeding efforts.

Grădina Zoologică Bucov, situated in Bucov commune approximately 10 kilometers from Ploiești in Prahova County, Romania, is one of the country's oldest and largest zoos, founded in 1980 as part of the Memorial Park Constantin Stere. Spanning 17 hectares, the zoo is home to 450 animals from 60 species, with spacious enclosures designed to closely replicate natural habitats. Among the rare and exotic residents are white lions, white tigers, gray lemurs, capuchin monkeys, Grevy's zebras, nilgai antelopes, American bison, and Nile crocodiles. An associate member of EAZA since 2012 and affiliated with the Romanian Federation of Zoos and Aquariums (FGZAR), the zoo is committed to environmental stewardship and education. The surrounding memorial park, with its beautiful lake, botanical garden, and walking paths, completes the experience for families and nature enthusiasts visiting the Prahova region.

Grădina Zoologică a Brăilei is a well-regarded zoological garden founded in 1983, located on the bypass road of Brăila in southeastern Romania and covering 4.6 hectares. The zoo houses 326 animal specimens across 49 species, including 32 mammal and 17 bird species. Notable residents include a performing brown bear named Stelica, a Siberian tiger named Alf, lions, an Alaskan wolf, reindeer, emus, African buffalo, yaks, mouflons, porcupines, Vietnamese pigs, coatis, and a variety of waterfowl and exotic birds. Educational panels throughout the park inform visitors about animal behavior, diet, and natural habitat, while three children's playgrounds and a horseback riding arena add recreational appeal. Widely regarded as one of the most attractive zoos in Romania, Grădina Zoologică a Brăilei provides an enriching and enjoyable family outing in the Danube region.

Grădina Zoologică Bârlad is a longstanding zoological garden established in 1959 in Bârlad, the largest city in Vaslui County in northeastern Romania. Covering approximately 5.6 hectares, the zoo cares for around 430 animals from over 70 species and attracts approximately 50,000 visitors annually. Its diverse collection includes lions, tigers, bears, wolves, foxes, beavers, llamas, bison, and nutrias, as well as a rich variety of birds ranging from pheasants, swans, and peacocks to parrots and macaws. The zoo has undergone recent modernization works, including expanded animal enclosures, a reconstructed sewage network, and improved visitor pathways. As a regional attraction under municipal administration, Grădina Zoologică Bârlad plays an important educational role, providing insights into animal geography, biology, feeding, and reproduction for visitors of all ages.

Sibiu Zoological Garden is one of Romania's oldest zoos, founded in 1929, situated adjacent to the ASTRA National Museum Complex in Sibiu, Transylvania. Spread across 20 hectares of parkland and forest, it is home to over 300 animals representing some 70 species, including bears, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, wolves, Carpathian stags, zebras, camels, llamas, monkeys, ponies, and a wide variety of birds such as parrots, peacocks, and pheasants. The zoo also features a lake where visitors can rent paddle boats, as well as playgrounds, restaurants, and shaded rest areas, making it an ideal half-day destination for families. Its compact size allows easy exploration while offering an engaging wildlife experience in the heart of Transylvania.

Grădina Zoologică Hunedoara is a public zoological garden established in 1972, situated on Pădurii Street along the edge of the protected Chizid Forest in Hunedoara, western Romania. The facility covers a total area of 29,000 square meters and is home to 20 species with a total of 130 animals. Visitors can observe Carpathian brown bears — including a notable 30-year-old veteran — lions, tigers, a European bison, black goats, baboons, peacocks, pheasants, roe deer, ponies, and ravens. The zoo serves as a family-friendly green space combined with recreational amenities, including playgrounds for children and relaxation areas for adults. Plans are underway to further develop the site into a relaxation zone with closer human-animal interaction, continuing its role as a beloved local attraction in Hunedoara County.

Grădina Zoologică (Soimaru Zoo) is a private zoo located in the commune of Ilișești, approximately 15 kilometers from Suceava in the Bucovina region of northeastern Romania. Founded by entrepreneur Dorin Soimaru in 2004 after he initially sheltered two abandoned lions, the zoo has grown to house around 400 exotic animal specimens across 5,000 square meters. Its collection includes lions, tigers, baboons, pandas, reptiles such as striped pythons, an anaconda, giant tortoises, and a Kenyan snake, as well as flying squirrels, porcupines, and exotic birds. The zoo represents one of Romania's first private zoological ventures and offers visitors an opportunity to encounter a remarkable range of rare and exotic species in an informal, accessible setting in the scenic Bucovina countryside.