Leningrad Zoo (at 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 now rightfully a representative of the architectural heritage of St. Petersburg.
General information
Today, the zoological park occupies a rather small area - just over seven hectares. At the same time, the collection of animals living here includes almost two thousand five hundred specimens and five hundred and thirty three species of various representatives of the fauna from almost all continents. Of particular note is that the zoo"Gorkovskaya" not only provides an opportunity to look at various animals and birds, but also pays great attention to educational and scientific work. For example, various excursions and lectures are constantly held here, special courses are organized. In addition, it must be said that for adults and children, the zoo on "Gorkovskaya" has created a so-called "contact enclosure", where animals can be fed and stroked, as well as the Club of Young Zoologists. The latter is organized for classes with schoolchildren who gravitate towards the study of animals and birds.
As for the main tasks of the Leningrad Zoo at present, this is, first of all, the demonstration of animals, the organization of high-quality leisure activities, various educational work, as well as active participation in activities aimed at preserving rare species of animals.
Zoo history
The St. Petersburg Menagerie was opened in Alexander Park in 1865. Its first owners were Julius and Sophia Gebhardt. The main collection of animals at that time consisted of bears, tigers, a lioness, several small predators, parrots and waterfowl. By 1897, the number of animals had greatly increased. According to the surviving documents, at that time the zoo's collection included one thousand one hundred and sixty-one individuals. However, after only a year, the menagerie falls into disrepair and is closed to visitors in 1909.
Nine years later, the zoological garden will be nationalized, and for itmanagement create a special Academic Council. Thanks to the active participation of the government, the menagerie manages to survive the Great Patriotic War, and in 1944 the zoo on Gorkovskaya opens its doors to permanent visitors. Since then, the menagerie has acquired many new interesting animals and managed to undergo more than one general reconstruction.
Main exhibitions
One of the largest expositions of the zoo today is located in the "Lion House" pavilion. Here you can see snow leopards, cougars and European lynxes. You can also watch the life of African lions and jaguars. The pavilion called "Primates" deserves special attention, in which various species of monkeys and lemurs live. In addition, it is impossible to ignore the Exotarium, which occupies two whole floors. On the first one there are large aquariums with freshwater and marine fish, on the second - the "Terrarium" pavilion, as well as enclosures with such small predators as phoenixes, mongooses, genets and meerkats.
Location and opening hours
Address where you can find the zoo: St. Petersburg, "Gorkovskaya" metro station, Alexander Park, house number 1. The menagerie is located in the Petrogradsky district, and the entrance to it is from Kronverksky Avenue. The nearest metro stations are "Sportivnaya" and "Gorkovskaya". In addition, it can be reached by trams No. 6 and No. 40. You can also always use a taxi service, callingas a destination "zoo on Gorkovskaya". Working hours of the menagerie: daily from ten in the morning to eight in the evening. On weekends, the zoo is open until nine o'clock.
