not less impressive are the lush botanical displays surrounding the animal enclosures, including high rows of royal palm trees lining the park among the forested surroundings of parque da boa vista.

the zoo maintains on this webpage a zoo virtual, a list of the animals that are part of the institution, useful and fun to read before visiting the park - mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are described in detail with their natural habitats.

opened in 1888, it is the oldest zoo in brazil and host to an impressive 2,900 reptiles, birds and mammals - in addition to various lakes and beautiful botanical gardens.