UCS Zoo

UCS Zoo (Zoo de Caxias do Sul) is a unique zoological garden operating at the University of Caxias do Sul in the city of Caxias do Sul. It is more than just a place for leisure; it is an important scientific and educational center in Brazil, fully dedicated to biodiversity conservation.

The main mission of this site is the protection and rehabilitation of local fauna, especially species inhabiting the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) biome. Many of the zoo's residents are endangered, making the center's work critical for the region's ecosystem.

UCS Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The zoo functions as a living laboratory where approximately 80,000 visitors—mostly university and school students—get to know the natural world each year. Combining the functions of an open-air museum and a veterinary hospital, it leaves a profound impression thanks to its sincere commitment to helping wild animals affected by human activity.

To confirm visiting details or organize group tours, you can use the institution's official contact information.

A visit to UCS Zoo is an opportunity to see Brazilian nature up close. One of the most interesting locations is the modern serpentarium, where you can observe various species of reptiles in a safe environment. Each exhibit is accompanied by detailed descriptions that help you better understand the lifestyle of these secretive creatures.

Special attention should be paid to the tours with monitor guides. These specialists don't just name the animal species; they tell moving and sometimes dramatic rescue stories for each animal in their care. You will learn about the rehabilitation process for animals and birds that arrived here after injuries or mistreatment.

For families with children, the visit will serve as an excellent lesson in environmental education. Direct but respectful interaction with the fauna helps develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. While walking between the enclosures, guests can observe the feeding of the residents and the work of specialists who care for the preservation of rare species daily.

UCS Zoo is located within the university campus at R. Francisco Getúlio Vargas, 1130, in the Petrópolis district. The site is quite far from the historic center, so it is best to plan your route in advance.

The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or using popular ride-sharing apps. The trip from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes. If you prefer public transport, look for bus routes heading toward the Petrópolis district or directly to the UCS university.

For those traveling by private or rental car, parking spaces are available on the university grounds. For precise navigation, it is recommended to use the coordinates POINT(-51.1477805 -29.1630972) or online maps.

The history of this place began in May 1997. The zoo was established as an ambitious project of the University of Caxias do Sul, aimed at protecting the region's wildlife. Since its opening, it has taken on the noble mission of rescuing injured animals.

Over the years, UCS Zoo has become a temporary or permanent home for more than 5,000 individuals. Most residents arrive here through environmental protection agencies after being found injured, abandoned, or confiscated from smugglers. Here, they undergo a rehabilitation course under the supervision of experienced biologists and veterinarians.

A significant milestone in the institution's development was the opening of a specialized serpentarium in 1999. This allowed for the expansion of the reptile collection and created unique conditions for studying snakes and other reptiles native to the forests of the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

To take a leisurely stroll along the paths and carefully observe all the inhabitants, visitors usually need about 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time to walk past the enclosures, visit the serpentarium, and study the information boards.

If you are planning a visit with children or wish to talk with the monitor guides to learn more about the animal rehabilitation program, your visit may last half a day. The grounds are perfect for quiet contemplation, so be sure to set aside some time to relax in the shade of the trees.

Please note that access for the general public to UCS Zoo is only open on weekends. This is because, during the week, the institution focuses on scientific research and rehabilitation procedures for the animals.

Visiting schedule: Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00. From Monday to Friday, the zoo is closed to the public.

After your visit to the zoo, you can continue exploring the city and its surroundings. Its proximity to the university campus and scenic neighborhoods offers several interesting locations to visit on the same day.