Plizio Visual Lab

Kharkiv Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

The Kharkiv Zoo was established in 1895, making it the oldest zoological park in Ukraine and one of the oldest in the former Russian Empire. Located in the heart of Kharkiv, adjacent to Shevchenko Park, it has a long and storied history. Following a comprehensive reconstruction in recent years, the zoo has been transformed into a modern, barrier-free facility that meets high international standards. Animals now reside in spacious, naturally designed enclosures divided into thematic zones such as 'African Savannah' or 'South America.' The zoo houses rare species, including Przewalski's horses, Siberian (Amur) tigers, and a wide variety of primates. In addition to animal display, the zoo focuses intensely on species conservation and scientific education. It remains a central landmark of the city and an essential location for public recreation and learning.

Location: Ukraine
Top sights: Monument to the 140th anniversary of the Kharkiv sewage services · Monument to Ilya Mechnikov · Monument to Simon Smith Kuznets
Nearby: Zhuravlivka, Kharkiv (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-6	0	8	15	20	23	22	16	8	1	-4
Rain mm	48	38	43	38	59	65	67	39	46	48	44	49

📋 Practical info

📅

Best season

Kharkiv Zoo is open year-round, but the best time to visit is spring and autumn with mild temperatures. In summer, animals often stay in shaded areas, while in winter they retreat indoors.

🌅

Best time of day

Early morning just after opening sees the most active animals and least crowded enclosures. Early afternoons can be quieter when many animals rest; therefore schedule visits for the morning.

📜

Etiquette

Feeding the animals is strictly prohibited as it harms their health and can encourage aggressive behavior. Do not touch the animals or climb over barriers - for the safety of both humans and animals.

🎒

What to bring

Comfortable shoes are important as the zoo is extensive and involves a lot of walking. A camera without flash and binoculars for viewing animals at a distance are recommended.

🧭

Getting there

The zoo is located in central Kharkiv and is well-served by public transport (metro, bus). Parking is limited, so traveling by metro to 'Prospekt Haharina' station is recommended.

🦌

What to expect

Especially on weekends it can get crowded - come early in the morning to enjoy the calm. Some animals are shyer or sleep during the day; repeated visits at different times increase your sighting chances.

Geography

Coordinates

50.00440, 36.23080

Facts

The zoo opened in 1895, establishing it as the oldest zoo in Ukraine.
Following its modernization, it houses over 400 different animal species.
The zoo spans an area of approximately 22 hectares in the city center.
It features a rare collection of waterfowl in its specialized pond systems.
The zoo's aquarium showcases a wide variety of fresh and saltwater fish.
The institution participates in over 20 international species conservation programs (EEP).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Derzhprom<1 km · SEExplore →

Zhuravlivka, Kharkiv5 km · NExplore →

Turboatom Kharkiv9 km · NExplore →

Pisochyn14 km · SExplore →

Derhachi15 km · SEExplore →

Vysokyi17 km · SWExplore →

Solonytsivka23 km · SExplore →

Merefa26 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kharkiv Zoo (9)

Monument to the 140th anniversary of the Kharkiv sewage services

Monument marking 140 years of Kharkiv's sewage system, located at the site of the first treatment plant.

Monument to Ilya Mechnikov

Monument to Ilya Mechnikov, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology/Medicine in 1908.

Monument to Simon Smith Kuznets

Monument to Simon Kuznets, Nobel Prize winner in Economics in 1971.

Vasily Karazin

Monument to Vasily Karazin, founder of Kharkiv University (now V. N. Karazin University).

Museum of Astronomy named after Academician M. P. Barabashov🏛 museum

Astronomy museum named after Academician M. P. Barabashov, featuring telescopes and star exhibits.

LandauCentre Muzei nauki🏛 museum

LandauCentre science museum with interactive experiments in physics and technology.

Educational Museum of the Human Anatomy Department🏛 museum

Educational museum of human anatomy, displaying specimens and models for medical students.

Theater of Nature

Open-air theater inside Kharkiv Zoo, hosting shows surrounded by animals and plants.

Taras Shevchenko Garden🌳 park

Park in Kharkiv named after poet Taras Shevchenko, with walking paths and greenery.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Was the Kharkiv Zoo recently renovated?

Yes, it was extensively modernized and reopened in 2021 with new facilities.

Is there an entrance fee for tourists?

Access may be charged for non-residents; residents often have free entry.

Where is the zoo located in Kharkiv?

In the central Shevchenko Park, right next to Freedom Square.

Are there elephants there?

Yes, the zoo has a modern enclosure for elephants.

Is the zoo wheelchair accessible?

After the renovation, most areas are accessible without barriers.

Kharkiv Zoo: where is it located?

Kharkiv Zoo is located in Ukraine.

Kharkiv Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Monument to the 140th anniversary of the Kharkiv sewage services, Monument to Ilya Mechnikov, Monument to Simon Smith Kuznets.

Kharkiv Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Kharkiv Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

The Kharkiv Zoo was established in 1895, making it the oldest zoological park in Ukraine and one of the oldest in the former Russian Empire.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe

More places in Ukraine →