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Chișinău Zoo
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wildlife
The Chișinău Zoo was inaugurated on May 9, 1978, and is located on the southern outskirts of the capital, directly across from the Botanical Garden. It spans an area of approximately 25 hectares and houses a collection of over 700 animals from about 130 species. The facility includes enclosures for big cats, bears, ungulates, as well as a terrarium and a bird section. A central lake provides a habitat for swans and pelicans. The zoo participates in international breeding programs for endangered species, such as the snow leopard. In recent years, many of the enclosures have been modernized to provide more natural conditions for the animals and to enhance the experience for visitors, especially families with children.
- Location: Moldova
- Top sights: Biserica de lemn Adormirii Maicii Domnului · Grădina Zoologică din Chișinău · Botanical Garden
- Nearby: Codru (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 18 | 10 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 33 | 38 | 40 | 52 | 70 | 61 | 36 | 39 | 46 | 42 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The Chișinău Zoo is open year-round, but the best visiting time is the mild months from May to September. In spring and summer the animals are more active and the outdoor enclosures are most pleasant.
Best time of day
Morning shortly after opening is the best time, as animals are being fed and are particularly alert. Late afternoon becomes quieter again, and many animals come out from their shelters.
Etiquette
Do not feed the animals - the zoo features special food that can be purchased at kiosks. Do not throw objects into enclosures and observe the posted safety distances.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes are important as the zoo grounds are large and you may cover a lot of area. A camera is recommended to capture the exotic and native animals.
Getting there
The Chișinău Zoo is located in the city center of Chișinău, near the Botanical Garden, and is easily reached by public transport or car. There is ample parking in the area.
What to expect
A zoo visit is less dependent on patience for wildlife viewing, but some animals rest during the day - come back at feeding time. Take time to read the information boards to learn more about the international conservation projects.
Geography
Facts
- Inauguration date: May 9, 1978
- Total area: approx. 25 hectares
- Home to over 700 animals
- About 130 different species
- Features rare species like the snow leopard
- Over 300,000 visitors per year
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Sights in the town Chișinău Zoo (9)
Botanical Garden🌳 park
Botanical garden of the Republic of Moldova, featuring many plant species and greenhouses.
🌐 gradinabotanica.asm.md🕒 We-Mo 09:00-21:00
Fosta Vilă a Mareşalului Ion Antonescu
Former villa of Marshal Ion Antonescu in Chișinău.
Ziua Independenței 27 August 1991
Monument commemorating Moldova's independence on 27 August 1991.
Columna lui Traian
Replica of Trajan's Column in Chișinău.
Rola pentru asfalt pe postament
Historic asphalt roller on a pedestal, displayed outdoors.
Monumentul lui Serghei Lazo
Monument to Serghei Lazo in Chișinău.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours?
The zoo is open daily except Mondays from 08:00 to 20:00 during summer.
What animals can be seen?
You can observe tigers, lions, bears, lynxes, and a large collection of birds.
Is it stroller-friendly?
Yes, the main paths are paved and well-accessible for families with strollers.
Is there a petting zoo?
Yes, there is an area where children can see domestic animals like goats and rabbits.
Where is the zoo located?
Directly opposite the Botanical Garden in the south of Chișinău (Dacia Boulevard).
Chișinău Zoo: where is it located?
Chișinău Zoo is located in Moldova.
Chișinău Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Biserica de lemn Adormirii Maicii Domnului, Grădina Zoologică din Chișinău, Botanical Garden.
Chișinău Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Chișinău Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Chișinău Zoo was inaugurated on May 9, 1978, and is located on the southern outskirts of the capital, directly across from the Botanical Garden.
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Bender, also known as Tighina, is a historical city on the right bank of the Dniester.
Durlești
Durlești is a suburb of Chișinău, part of the capital municipality.
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Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.
Comrat
Comrat is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia in southern Moldova.
Căușeni
Căușeni is a city in southeastern Moldova.
Hîncești
Hîncești is located southwest of Chișinău and is famous for the impressive Manuc Bei Manor.
Codru
Codru is a city within the Chișinău municipality.
Slobozia
Slobozia is located south of Tiraspol on the left bank of the Dniester.
Ialoveni
Ialoveni is located south of Chișinău and is world-famous for its wine production.
Leova
Leova is situated on the eastern bank of the Prut River in southwestern Moldova.
Călărași
Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.
Cimișlia
Cimișlia is located in southern Moldova on the Cogâlnic River.
Nisporeni
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Basarabeasca
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Grigoriopol
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History & landmarks
Chisinau City Hall
The Chisinau City Hall is a historic monument built in 1901 in a Venetian Gothic style.
Mileștii Mici
Home to the world's largest wine cellar according to Guinness World Records, featuring over 200 kilometers of underground limestone tunnels.
Chisinau Railway Station
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More places
Basarabeasca Old Town
The historic core of Basarabeasca with 19th-century buildings.
Chișinău Botanical Garden
The Chișinău Botanical Garden covers 76 hectares and features thousands of plant species from around the world.
FEZ Expo-Business-Chișinău
Moldova's first Free Economic Zone, focused on the development of light industry and the service sector in the capital.
Floare-Carpet Factory
The longest-standing carpet weaving factory in Moldova, based in Chișinău.
Meșterul Furniture Factory
A significant furniture manufacturer in Chișinău, serving both the domestic and export markets with modern interior furnishings.
Ciuflea Monastery
A distinctive blue and white church in Chișinău dedicated to Saint Theodore Tiron.
Eternity Memorial Complex
A monumental complex in Chisinau, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War II and the Transnistria conflict.
Floare-Carpet Carpet Factory
The Floare-Carpet factory in Chișinău is one of the largest wool carpet manufacturers in the Republic of Moldova.