along with the new location came a towering, magnificent gate that still welcomes visitors to this day, a wedding gift for dom pedro i and his future wife, leopoldina. 

the neoclassical portico was once at the palácio imperial (imperial palace), the now national museum of natural history.

today, rio zoo has the vision of being recognized across the globe as a center of reference in the development of research of wild fauna, as well as in the areas of education and environmental conservation, beyond the social and environmental responsibilities involved in maintaining the well-being of the animals in their care. 

the zoological's mission is focused on developing in three specific areas, which include environmental conservation, scientific research, and environmental education.