The Leningrad Zoo (at the Gorky metro station) is one of the oldest zoological parks in Russia and is one of the northernmost zoological parks in the world. This is a unique place, considered a kind of wildlife sanctuary. Since its opening, the zoo has managed to maintain its own historical greatness and is now rightfully a representative of the architectural heritage of St. Petersburg.
general information
Today, the zoological park occupies a rather small area - just over seven hectares. Moreover, the collection of animals living here totals almost two thousand five hundred specimens and five hundred thirty-three species of various representatives of the fauna from almost all continents. It should be especially noted that the Gorkovskaya Zoo not only provides an opportunity to look at various animals and birds, but also pays great attention to educational and scientific-educational work. For example, various excursions and lectures are constantly held here, special courses are organized. In addition, it must be said that for adults and children, the Gorkovskaya Zoo created the so-called “contact aviary” where animals can be fed and stroked, as well as the Club of Young Zoologists. The latter is organized for classes with schoolchildren who gravitate toward the study of animals and birds.
As for the main tasks of the Leningrad Zoo at present, it is, first of all, the demonstration of animals, the organization of quality leisure, various educational activities, as well as active participation in activities aimed at preserving rare species of animals.
Zoo history
The St. Petersburg menagerie was opened in the Alexander Park in 1865. Its first owners were Julius and Sophia Gebgardt. The main collection of animals at that time consisted of bears, tigers, lionesses, several small predators, parrots and waterfowl. By 1897, the number of animals had increased significantly. According to the preserved documents, at that time the collection of the zoo included one thousand one hundred sixty-one individuals. However, after only a year, the menagerie fell into decay and in 1909 was closed to visitors.
Nine years later, the zoological garden is nationalized, and a special Scientific Council is created for its management. Thanks to the active participation of the government, the menagerie manages to survive the Great Patriotic War, and in 1944 the zoo on Gorkovskaya opens its doors to constant visits. Since then, the menagerie has acquired many interesting new animals and managed to undergo more than one major reconstruction.
The main expositions
One of the largest expositions of the zoo today is located in the pavilion "Lion". Here you can see snow leopards, cougars and European lynxes. You can also watch the life of African lions and jaguars. Special attention also deserves the pavilion called "Primates", in which various species of monkeys and lemurs live. In addition, it is impossible to ignore the "Exotarium", which occupies as many as two floors. On the first there are large aquariums with freshwater and marine fish, on the second - the Terrarium pavilion, as well as enclosures with such small predators as phoenixes, mongooses, genets and meerkats.
Location and mode of operation
The address where you can find the zoo: St. Petersburg, Gorkovskaya metro station, Alexandrovsky park, house number 1. The menagerie is located in the Petrogradsky district, and the entrance to it is from Kronverksky Avenue. The nearest metro stations are Sportivnaya and Gorkovskaya. In addition, it can be reached by trams No. 6 and No. 40. You can also always take a taxi, calling "Zoo on Gorkovskaya" as your destination. Zoo working hours: daily from ten in the morning to eight in the evening. On weekends, the zoo is open until nine.