Rio de Janeiro Zoological Garden, Zoo in São Cristóvão district, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Rio de Janeiro Zoological Garden sits on 55,000 square meters at the back of Quinta da Boa Vista, next to the National Museum. Its collection numbers over 1,300 animals of 350 species, among them the Lear's macaw, harpy eagle, maned wolf and broad-snouted caiman. Since the 2021 reopening as BioParque do Rio, animals move through tunnels, corridors and walkways rather than behind bars.
The first zoo, founded by João Batista Viana Drummond in Vila Isabel, opened on 16 January 1888; its raffle of 25 animals gave rise to the jogo do bicho. The current zoo was inaugurated on 18 March 1945 by President Getúlio Vargas at Quinta da Boa Vista. In 1985 it became the Fundação Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, and in 2021 it reopened as BioParque do Rio.
This zoo serves as a learning space where families and school groups discover native animals and environmental issues. Visitors experience how the place connects local wildlife to global conservation efforts.
The zoo opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and offers food outlets and rest areas throughout the grounds. Bring water and comfortable shoes since the site is large and walking paths can be exposed to sun.
The facility participates in international breeding programs for endangered Brazilian species and exchanges animals with institutions worldwide. Most visitors don't realize how this behind-the-scenes work supports the survival of rare animals.
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