Novosibirsk Zoo named after R.A. Shilo

The Novosibirsk Zoo named after R.A. Shilo is not just one of Novosibirsk's main attractions, but a true world-class scientific and conservation center. Spanning a vast green area of 65 hectares, it is one of the largest zoological parks in Russia and offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wild nature.

The zoo's collection is truly impressive: it is home to about 12,000 individuals representing 790 different animal species. A particular source of pride for the zoo is its contribution to the conservation of rare and endangered species. More than 350 species in the collection are listed in the International Red Data Book, and about 180 more are in the Red Data Book of Russia and regional lists.

The zoo is known far beyond the country's borders for its outstanding work in animal breeding. It is considered one of the world leaders in preserving populations of the feline and mustelid families. The institution's staff takes an active part in 77 international programs for the conservation of rare species, making an invaluable contribution to protecting the planet's biodiversity.

If you have any questions about the zoo's operations, visiting conditions, or would like to clarify details about events, you can contact the administration. The most up-to-date information can always be found on the official website.

A visit to the Novosibirsk Zoo is an opportunity to see a rich collection of animals from all over the world. Guests are especially drawn to the spacious enclosures with big cats, bears, and primates. In addition, there are various exhibits featuring birds, reptiles, and marine animals. The zoo is famous for its success in breeding rare species: it was here that, for the first time in world practice, offspring were obtained from the river otter, Siberian grouse, and Kamchatka snow sheep.

In addition to animal watching, the zoo offers many opportunities for a comfortable rest. Its well-maintained grounds feature children's playgrounds, cozy cafes, and souvenir shops. For nature lovers and photographers, it's a great place for long walks, as the animal habitats are kept as close to natural as possible, allowing for wonderful photos. Themed relaxation areas will help you unwind and fully enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing corner of nature.

The Novosibirsk Zoo named after R.A. Shilo is conveniently located in the city's picturesque Zayeltsovsky district, making it easily accessible for visitors. The easiest way to get here by public transport is to take the metro to the Zayeltsovskaya station. This serves as the main landmark and starting point for the rest of your journey to the zoo.

Numerous buses and minibuses regularly run from the Zayeltsovskaya metro station to the zoo, getting you to your destination quickly. Additionally, city bus routes through Novosibirsk go directly to the Zoo stop. For those who value comfort, a taxi ride from the city center takes very little time and is a convenient alternative.

If you prefer to travel by private car, there is a spacious parking lot near the main entrance where you can leave your vehicle. For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll in the fresh air, there's another great option — walking. The walk from the metro through the beautiful Zayeltsovsky Park takes about 15–20 minutes and makes for a pleasant start to your visit to this amazing place.

The history of the Novosibirsk Zoo is a journey from a modest idea to one of the world's leading zoological parks. It all began thanks to the famous zoologist and writer Maxim Dmitrievich Zverev, who had been actively promoting the creation of a menagerie in Novosibirsk since the late 1920s. By 1937, through his efforts, a collection of 35 mammal species and 50 bird species had been gathered. The city's first official zoo opened its doors to visitors in 1947, located on a small area of less than one hectare on Gogol Street.

However, the modest size of the old zoo could not accommodate the growing collection, and in 1959, the decision was made to build a new, more spacious complex. A site was chosen in the picturesque Zayeltsovsky district. Construction began in 1979 but faced serious difficulties, primarily lack of funding. As a result, the process of building new enclosures and pavilions stretched over decades, becoming a true test for enthusiasts and animal advocates.

A key role in the zoo's fate was played by its long-time director, Rostislav Alexandrovich Shilo, whose name the institution proudly bears today. It was under his leadership, despite all the difficulties, that construction was completed and the zoo transformed into a world-class scientific and conservation center. Thanks to his energy and dedication, the Novosibirsk Zoo achieved international recognition and became one of the leading zoos in Russia, as we know it today.

When planning a visit to the Novosibirsk Zoo named after R.A. Shilo, it's worth setting aside a significant part of the day. Given the vast territory and rich collection of animals, it's recommended to allow at least 4–5 hours for a full tour of the exhibition. This will be enough time to leisurely walk around the main enclosures and pavilions, observe the most interesting inhabitants, and take short breaks to rest.

If you are traveling with children or are a photography enthusiast, be prepared to easily spend the whole day at the zoo. For young visitors, there are playgrounds and other activities that will require extra time. Amateur photographers will want to wait for the perfect shot, as many animals are active at different times of the day. To make your visit as comfortable and complete as possible, it is best to arrive in the morning and plan your route in advance.

The Novosibirsk Zoo named after R.A. Shilo is open to visitors year-round, allowing you to plan your visit for any convenient time. According to the main information, the zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It's important to remember that the ticket offices close one hour before closing time, so it's best to arrive with time to spare. Operating hours may change depending on the season, so it's recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Special booking for a visit is generally not required, but to save time and avoid potential queues, especially on weekends and holidays, tickets can be purchased online in advance. Before your trip, we strongly advise visiting the zoo's official website to check the latest data on opening hours and admission prices.

Visiting the Novosibirsk Zoo is an exciting adventure in itself, but to make your trip to Novosibirsk even more rewarding, it's worth checking out the attractions located nearby. Exploring the surrounding area will not only diversify your itinerary but also help you get to know this multifaceted city better.

The zoo is located in an area with developed infrastructure, where many interesting places can be found within walking distance or a short ride away. Nearby, there is entertainment for the whole family, cultural sites, and picturesque parks that will be a great addition to your visit.