Leningrad Zoo at the "Gorky" metro station

The Leningrad Zoo (on the "Gorkovskaya" 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 of its kind, considered a kind of wildlife sanctuary. Since its opening, the zoo has managed to preserve its own historical grandeur and is rightfully now the representative of the architectural heritage of St. Petersburg.

general information

Today the zoological park occupies a rather small area - a little more than seven hectares. At the same time, the collection of animals inhabiting here numbers almost two thousand five hundred specimens and five hundred and thirty-three species of various fauna from almost all continents. It should be especially noted that the zoo at the "Gorkovskaya" 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 should be said that for adults and children, the zoo on Gorkovskaya has created a so-called "contact aviary", where animals can be fed and patted, as well as the Club of Young Zoologists. The latter is organized for conducting classes with schoolchildren, who gravitate toward the study of animals and birds.

As for the main tasks of the Leningrad Zoo at the present time, it is, first of all, the demonstration of animals, the organization of quality leisure activities, various educational activities, as well as active participation in activities aimed at preserving rare species of animals.

The history of the zoo

St. Petersburg Menagerie was opened in the Alexander Park in 1865. Its first owners were Julius and Sophia Gebhardt. 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 has greatly increased. According to the surviving documents, at that time the collection of the zoo included one thousand one hundred and sixty-one specimens. However, after a year the menagerie is in decline and in 1909 it closes for visitors.

After nine years, the zoological garden is nationalized, and a special Academic Council is created to manage it. Thanks to the active participation of the government, the menagerie manages to survive the Great Patriotic War, and in 1944 the zoo at the "Gorkovskaya" opens its doors for a permanent visit. Since then, the menagerie has acquired many new interesting animals and managed to undergo more than one general reconstruction.

Main expositions

One of the largest expositions of the zoo today is located in the pavilion "L'vivitel". Here you can see snow leopards, pumas and European lynxes. You can also watch the life of African lions and jaguars. Separate attention deserves a pavilion called "Primates", in which live a variety of types of monkeys and lemurs. In addition, it is impossible to bypass the "Exotarium", occupying as many as two floors. On the first there are large aquariums with freshwater and marine fish, on the second - the pavilion "Terrarium", as well as aviaries with such small predators as fenecks, mongooses, genetics and meerkats.

Location and operating mode

The address where you can find the zoo: St. Petersburg, "Gorkovskaya" metro station, Alexander Park, house number 1. Zverinets is located in the Petrogradsky district, and the entrance to it - from the avenue Kronverksky. The nearest metro stations are "Sportivnaya" and "Gorkovskaya". In addition, it can be reached by trams No. 6 and No. 40. It is also always possible to use the services of a taxi, having named the "Zoo on Gorkovskaya" as the destination. The operating mode of the zoo: daily from 10 am to 8 pm. At the weekend, the zoo is open until nine o'clock.