- Address: Paldiski maantee 145, 13522 Tallinn, Estonia;
- Opening: August 25, 1939;
- Area: 87 hectares;
- Working hours: every day from 09:00 to 19:00;
- Phone: +372 694 3300.
In Tallinn is the famous Tallinn Zoo, where about 600 species of inhabitants live. The zoo attracts both children and adults - while kids are entertained in an adventure park, their parents can learn more about endangered and rare species of animals, fish and birds.
The history of the zoo
The Tallinn Zoo was founded just before the beginning of the Second World War, in 1939. The first exhibit, as well as the symbol of the zoo, was the lynx Illya, which in 1937 was brought from the World Cup as a trophy by Estonian arrows. The Second World War broke plans for the development of the zoo. Only in the 1980s. The zoo moved to its current location, in the forest park of Veskimets. In 1989, the Tallinn Zoo became the first Soviet zoo to be accepted into the WAZA World Association.
Inhabitants of the zoo
On an area of almost 90 hectares, more than 90 species of mammals, 130 species of fish, 120 species of birds, as well as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates. The inhabitants are divided into exposition at the place of origin: the Alps, Central Asia, South America, the tropics, mammals of the Arctic zone. There is an exposition of birds of prey, dwellers of bogs, a pond with water birds. There is a children's zoo, the cost of visiting which is included in the total price of the ticket.
Also here are unusually beautiful cats - Amur leopards. Amur, or Far Eastern, leopards are the rarest big cats in the world, now they are on the verge of extinction. In the wild, Amur leopards are preserved in the Far East, on the border of Russia, North Korea and China. The conservation and breeding of Amur leopards are trying to engage in zoos in the world. Now the Amur leopards Freddy and Darla live in the Tallinn zoo. Their young are housed in zoos in Europe and Russia.
Information for tourists
- Night excursion. An unusual offer of the Tallinn Zoo - night excursions, which are held in the summer months. In the dark, animals behave differently than during the day, show their "hidden" sides, unknown habits of people. Excursions are held only twice a week, so that the inhabitants do not have time to get used to the night guests.
- Adventure Park. An adventure park is organized for children in the territory of the Tallinn Zoo. Adults can accompany the kids while they climb along the trails and suspension bridges. You can purchase a general ticket to visit the zoo and adventure park at the entrance to the zoo or a separate ticket to visit the adventure park in the park itself. The park is open from May to September.
- Where to eat? On the territory of the zoo there are two cafes - "Illu" and "U Tiger". Also there are picnic areas with tables and barbecues, tents can be rented directly on site.
How to get there?
The Tallinn Zoo is located in the picturesque area of Veskimets, between Paldiski highway and the street. Ehitajate. From the Paldiski highway there is a bus stop Zoo, to which routes Nos. 21, 21B, 22, 41, 42 and 43 go. On the Ehitajate side there is a bus stop Nurmeneku, which can be reached by routes Nos. 10, 28, 41, 42, 43, 46 and 47.