Tbilisi Zoo, Zoo in central Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi Zoo is a large animal park located in the Vere River valley, housing hundreds of species from around the world. The grounds are divided into different areas where visitors can see big cats, elephants, rhinoceros, and many other animals.

The Tbilisi Zoo was created by a decision of the Tbilisi City Council on 10 February 1927, on about 100 hectares in the Vere River gorge, with a master plan by a commission including P. A. Manteifel and architect V. V. Stepanov. It opened with four sections: the Caucasus, fauna of the USSR, exotic animals, and agricultural animals. In 1931 a parasitology laboratory and zoological museum were added, and under director G. A. Ganson (1934–1944) new enclosures, a research laboratory and a children's corner followed. In 1938 Moscow sent the zoo its first elephant, Malka, along with a chimpanzee, a hippo and ostriches.

The zoo showcases animals from the Caucasus region, drawing visitors interested in learning about the local wildlife and natural heritage. This focus on regional species creates awareness about the unique ecosystems found in the mountains.

The zoo is open daily to visitors and offers a large area to explore with various walking paths throughout the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to visit all the different sections.

For nearly fifty years until 2013, photographer Victor Sukiasov ran a photo studio at the zoo, making papier-mâché horses for children to sit on for pictures. In 1938 the first elephant in its history, a three-year-old named Malka, arrived from Moscow Zoo along with a chimpanzee, a hippo and ostriches.