Moscow Zoo

The zoo occupies a large site in the Tverskoy District and houses animals from every continent in enclosures that recreate natural habitats. The grounds divide into two main sections connected by a pedestrian bridge over a road.

A group of professors from Lomonosov University established this institution in the mid-19th century as a scientific collection. The facility grew steadily over the following decades and underwent major modernization after World War II.

Several restaurants and cafés across the zoo serve Russian dishes, while animal presentations include explanations in Russian and sometimes in English. Visitors tend to spread across the different sections, so even on busy days quiet corners remain easy to find.

The zoo opens Tuesday through Sunday and provides wheelchair-friendly paths between enclosures, with benches along main routes. Visitors who want to see all areas should allow at least three hours, as both sections of the grounds cover a lot of ground.

A small museum on the grounds displays specimens and objects that trace the development of animal care and zoology in Russia. The zoo also runs a training center where animal keepers and veterinarians receive instruction.

Location: Tverskoy District

Inception: January 31, 1864

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: ГАУ "Московский зоопарк"

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-19:00

Phone: +74992522951;+74992523580

Website: http://moscowzoo.ru

GPS coordinates: 55.76194,37.57722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:49