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Baghdad Zoo

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—°2
Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)

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Baghdad Zoo is located within Al-Zawraa Park and officially commenced operations in 1971. The zoological facility encompasses an area of approximately 81 hectares. Prior to the year 2003, the complex housed more than 650 animals, but as a result of wartime events, only a fraction consisting of about 35 individuals survived the initial months of the conflict. Thanks to international support and cooperation with animal welfare organizations, a systematic reconstruction effort was launched in late 2003. By 2008, the animal population had grown back to over 800 individuals representing 80 different species, including lions, bears, and various primates. A significant expansion took place in 2013, involving the construction of new, spacious enclosures for large felines and African ungulates. In the ensuing years, management placed increased emphasis on veterinary standards and conservation programs within an urban environment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91217232935373733271711
Rain mm3733312470001112928

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The zoo is a popular destination for families and can be fully explored on foot along the paved walkways within the larger Al-Zawraa Park area.
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Typical hours
Operating hours usually span from mid-morning to late afternoon, although it is best to visit earlier in the day to avoid the intense midday heat.
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Photography
Photography is generally permitted throughout the park; capturing the animals and the bustling atmosphere of the family-friendly spaces is encouraged.
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Time needed
Expect to spend at least two to three hours here, especially if you are traveling with young children who will want to see all the different enclosures.
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Combine with
Pair your zoo visit with a relaxing stroll through the rest of Al-Zawraa Park, which has amusement rides and plenty of open green spaces for picnics.
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Getting there
The attraction is centrally located in Baghdad and is most easily reached by taxi; inform the driver you are heading to the main gates of Al-Zawraa Park.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection, as shaded areas can be limited during the peak summer months when temperatures rise significantly.

Geography

Coordinates
33.31500, 44.37500

Facts

  • The zoological facility was officially opened in 1971.
  • The original zoo grounds cover an area spanning 81 hectares.
  • In April 2003, only about 35 animals survived the initial wartime destruction.
  • By 2008, the animal population had rebounded to 800 individuals through donations.
  • The collection in 2008 included a total of 80 distinct animal species.
  • New and expanded enclosures for large felines were inaugurated in 2013.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Al-Zawraa ParkAl-Zawraa Park<1 km · NExplore →
Al-Mustansiriya UniversityAl-Mustansiriya University2 km · NEExplore →
Baghdad TowerBaghdad Tower3 km · SEExplore →
Abu Hanifa MosqueAbu Hanifa Mosque4 km · SEExplore →
Daura RefineryDaura Refinery5 km · NWExplore →
Al-Kadhimiya MosqueAl-Kadhimiya Mosque6 km · SEExplore →
Al-Shaheed MonumentAl-Shaheed Monument8 km · NExplore →
Sindbad LandSindbad Land11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Baghdad Zoo (2)

Huge statue📍 landmark

A monumental sculpture within the zoo grounds, serving as a popular photo spot for visitors.

Baghdad International Circus🎭 culture

A venue for international circus arts and acrobatic shows located near the zoo.

🕒 Mo-Su 19:00-20:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals can be seen at the zoo?
Lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, and a variety of birds.
Is the zoo inside Al-Zawraa Park?
Yes, it is located on the park grounds.
When is the best time to visit?
Morning, when animals are most active and it's cooler.
Are there discounts for children?
Yes, admission for children is significantly cheaper than for adults.
Is it allowed to feed the animals?
No, feeding the animals by visitors is strictly prohibited.
Baghdad Zoo: where is it located?
Baghdad Zoo is located in Iraq.
Baghdad Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Huge statue, Baghdad International Circus.
Baghdad Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Baghdad Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
Baghdad Zoo is located within Al-Zawraa Park and officially commenced operations in 1971.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Baghdad — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Baghdad
The capital and largest city of Iraq, situated on the Tigris River.
Abu Ghraib — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Abu Ghraib
A suburb west of Baghdad, located in the Baghdad Governorate.

History & landmarks

Baghdad Tower — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Baghdad Tower
A prominent television tower in Baghdad originally built in the 1990s, featuring an observation deck.
Abu Hanifa Mosque — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Abu Hanifa Mosque
A major Sunni mosque in Baghdad, built around the tomb of the prominent Islamic legal scholar Abu Hanifa.
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
An important Islamic shrine in Baghdad containing the tombs of the seventh and ninth Twelver Shia Imams.

Nature

Tigris — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Tigris
The Tigris is one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, flowing through the center of Iraq.

More places

Al-Zawraa Park — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Al-Zawraa Park
A spacious public park in Baghdad featuring green areas, an amusement park, and a stadium.
Monument to the Unknown Soldier — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Monument to the Unknown Soldier
A monumental structure in Baghdad representing a traditional shield, dedicated to the soldiers who died in war.
Victory Arch — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Victory Arch
A pair of massive triumphal arches shaped like crossed swords in Baghdad, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War.
Al-Mustansiriya University — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Al-Mustansiriya University
One of the oldest university buildings in the world, serving as an intellectual center during Baghdad prime.
Al-Qishla — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Al-Qishla
A historic Ottoman building in Baghdad featuring a characteristic clock tower erected in the 19th century.
Al-Mutanabbi Street — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Al-Mutanabbi Street
A historic street in Baghdad known for its many bookstores and as a cultural center of Iraq.
Abbasid Palace — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Abbasid Palace
One of the few remaining historic buildings in Baghdad from the Abbasid era, featuring impressive brickwork architecture.
Daura Refinery — Baghdad Zoo (Iraq)
Daura Refinery
A major oil refinery in Baghdad, established in the 1950s, producing fuels for the capital region.