for a fun packed day of ecological curiosity, rio de janeiro's jardim zoológico is the perfect attraction - located in the mesmerizing quinta da boa vista park, in rio's historical são cristóvão neighborhood, jardim zoológico is brazil's oldest zoo, and is home to one of the most diverse assortment of animals in the country.

originally a private collection, owned by entrepreneur baron drummond, the zoo has undergone many changes over the years, but officially opened its current site, in 1945 - the zoo also transformed from being just a visiting attraction, to a foundation, responsible for research and environmental education, after a change in administration, in 1985. 

the complex is a spacious 138 thousand square meters in size, which houses nearly 3000 animals of over 400 species, with many of them living in reconstructions of their natural habitats, allowing visitors to experience their behaviors as naturally as possible.