among the attractions of the zoo are also a pavilion specifically built as a home to nocturnal animals, and the 'zooaquarium', an artificial cave built a hundred years ago to house 50 species of fish from various regions of brazil.  

no 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.

fundação riozoo had its beginnings in 1888 after a prominent businessman, joão batista viana drummond, visited paris and was impressed by the city's urbanism.