Gradina Zoologică (Soimaru Zoo)

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.