The zoo in the children's park

A cozy and green corner of wildlife, known as the Zoo in the Children's Park, is one of the most beloved family locations that Simferopol offers its guests. Founded back in 1958, this zoo corner became an integral part of the first-ever "Land of Childhood" in the USSR. Initially, only domestic birds and small rodents lived here, but over the decades, the collection has grown to impressive proportions.

Children's Park Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, the zoo's territory covers about 3.5 hectares, where representatives of fauna from all corners of the planet—more than 320 species in total—live in comfortable enclosures. Here you can find both exotic animals and rescued animals that have found a new home in the park. This entire "living encyclopedia" is surrounded by ancient giant oaks, whose ages reach 500 and 700 years, creating a special atmosphere of an old garden.

This site in the country of Ukraine is notable for being part of a huge park complex covering 10 hectares. The zoo harmoniously combines an educational function with an entertainment component, allowing young visitors not only to see rare animals but also to touch the world of nature right in the center of a bustling metropolis.

To clarify visit details or organize group tours, you can use the official contact information of the institution.

The main entertainment here is, of course, meeting the animals. Visitors can spend hours watching the lives of lions, tigers, bears, and amusing monkeys. Children are particularly delighted by the fluffy inhabitants and brightly colored birds. If you're lucky, you can catch feeding time or see how park staff care for their charges.

In addition to exploring the enclosures, be sure to check out the aquarium and terrarium on the park grounds, where deep-sea inhabitants and exotic reptiles are presented. For fans of active recreation, more than 10 rides and a modern rope park operate nearby, where you can test your agility.

Don't forget to take a walk through the famous "Glade of Fairy Tales" (Polyana Skazok). This magical place, inspired by the works of Pushkin, is inhabited by figures of Baba Yaga, bogatyrs, and other fairy-tale characters. You can also see a roller rink, the Alley of Pioneer Heroes, and even dinosaur sculptures in the park, turning an ordinary trip to the zoo into a full-day adventure.

The attraction is located in the very heart of the city at 51 Kirova Avenue. The territory is bordered by major city arteries—Kirova Avenue, Kievskaya Street, and Shmidta Street. The main entrance for visitors is located on the Kirova Avenue side, but the park can also be accessed through additional gates on Shmidta Street.

Getting here by public transport is easy. Buses, trolleybuses, and fixed-route taxis run to the center from almost any area of the city. You need to get off at the "Detsky Park" or "Prospekt Kirova" stops. From there, it is only a few minutes' walk to the entrance of the zoo corner.

If you prefer a taxi, the ride from the central squares or the railway station will take no more than 10–15 minutes. For drivers, parking zones are provided near the park. Its convenient location near the Salgir River embankment makes the path to the zoo a pleasant walk through the city's green zones.

The lands where animals play today were once part of a dense oak grove on the banks of the Salgir River. On plans from the end of the 18th century, this area was marked as a forest, and later a garden nursery was located here. A new chapter in the history of the territory began in 1958, when the first specialized Children's Park in the Soviet Union was founded here, conceived as a real "Land of Childhood."

The zoo corner opened simultaneously with the park and was initially quite modest: its first inhabitants were chickens, ducks, and fluffy rabbits. The park quickly acquired the status of a unique site and, until the mid-1970s, remained the only one of its kind in the country, becoming a model for creating similar spaces in other cities. In the 1970s, life here was in full swing: young naturalists helped care for the animals, and children observed the stars in the observatory.

Interestingly, the local zoo is also connected to the world of cinema. For a time, the famous donkey Luska lived here, who starred in the legendary comedy "Kidnapping, Caucasian Style." In the modern period, after a large-scale reconstruction in 2011–2014, the zoo corner has significantly transformed, expanding its boundaries and improving the living conditions for its many charges.

To take a leisurely stroll through the paths of the zoo corner and meet all its inhabitants, 1–1.5 hours is usually enough. This time is sufficient to observe the animals' habits and take commemorative photos.

However, considering that the zoo is located within a huge entertainment complex, it is worth setting aside at least 3–4 hours for the visit. This will allow you to combine animal viewing with a visit to the aquarium, the "Glade of Fairy Tales," and relaxation on numerous attractions, which is especially relevant for travelers with children.

The zoo welcomes guests daily, without days off. According to current data, the complex doors are open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is worth considering that during the winter period, the operating hours may be reduced (usually from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), so it is recommended to verify information before visiting during the cold season.

The cost of entrance tickets remains quite affordable: an adult ticket (for persons over 12 years old) will cost about 200 rubles, a child's ticket (from 4 to 12 years old) is 100 rubles, and toddlers under 4 can discover the world of animals completely free of charge.

Its location in the city center makes a visit to the zoo corner an excellent starting point for further exploration of the region's history and culture. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to see many monuments and interesting art objects within walking distance.