The Buenos Aires Zoo is located in the Palermo district in the northeast of the city and is one of its most visited tourist attractions, receiving more than three million visitors each year. When the zoo was first opened, it aimed to bring as many different animals as possible for the people of Argentina to experience. Today, the zoo houses over 2500 animals from all over the world. It is spread over more than 18 hectares of gardens and lakes, with small islands that are home to monkeys and birds that can roam freely.
The Buenos Aires Zoo aims to be a world leader in conservation and wildlife protection. Therefore, the animals enjoy modern and spacious enclosures according to the Zoo's policy, which is that animals are to live in spaces that reflect their natural habitat and environment as closely as possible
Start your visit with a trip to the reptile house and the aquarium. Look out for the 'spectacled' bears, the only bears native to South America. Of course, a zoo visit is not a zoo visit without seeing the animals from the African continent - big cats, elephants and rhinos. There is a superb rain forest exhibit, which has cascading waterfalls and a walkway that takes you right up into the tree tops for a bird's eye view. Other animals to see include polar bears, kangaroos, orang-utans, camels and zebras. It's possible to feed the animals too, a real treat for children in your party. Pick up some animal food for a small fee at the zoo’s entrance. The fee charged for the food goes towards the cost of the upkeep and running of the zoo.
You can choose to explore the zoo at your own pace, but guided tours are also available along with some limited night sessions - a great way to see a different side of the animals and the zoo.
Buenos Aires Zoo can be reached by public transport. The easiest way to get there is to take the subway to Plaza Italia. There are two main entrances at either end of the zoo. It's open every day except Mondays and there is an entry fee. Some special and larger exhibitions may incur a small additional entry charge.
