Explore Lisbon Zoo | See dolphins, pelicans and more up close

What is Lisbon Zoo?

Phileas Fogg has got a new competition! You can now get around the world in not 80 but 1 DAY! Visiting the Lisbon Zoo with the whole family is like taking a virtual globe tour—all without leaving Lisbon. Find Sumatran Tigers hiding in the Rainforest's thick foliage– lions, giraffes, and elephants frolicking on the parched African Savannah, and South American bird species soaring high. You can't go wrong with spending quality time with your loved one at Lisbon Zoo, can you? Here's all you need to know for a great rendezvous into the wild!

Quick Facts about Lisbon Zoo

Lisbon Zoo
  • Official name: Lisbon Zoological Garden (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa)
  • Location: Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Date of opening: 1884
  • Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Number of visitors per year: Approximately 800,000
  • Function: Zoo, conservation centre, educational institution
Plan your visit to Lisbon Zoo

Plan your visit to Lisbon Zoo

Address: Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado, 1549-004, Lisbon, Portugal

Find on map

The Lisbon Zoo is conveniently located in the Sete Rios district of Lisbon, within walking distance of the Sete Rios train station and surrounded by several parks and gardens.

Nearest bus stop: Lisbon Sete Rios (Jardim Zoológico) (IC)

Nearest attraction: São Jorge Castle

Lisbon Zoo Opening Hours
  • Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Seasonal hours:
  • March 21st to September 20th: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • September 21st to March 20th: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Closed: The ticket office closes at 5:15 PM, including for re-entries
  • Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds

What to see at Lisbon Zoo?

Lisbon Zoo's Conservation Efforts

Lisbon Zoo is not just a home for approximately 2000 animals acrossrepresenting over 300 species; it's a hub for conservation. Beyond the confines of Sete Rios, the zoo actively contributes to both ex-situ conservation (within its premises) and in-situ conservation (in the natural habitats of various endangered species).

Dolphins

Among the best dolphinariums in Europe, you can see playful dolphins in action. The zoo's aim is to inspire people to learn, care, and act, and by visiting, you get to experience the unique spectacle of these wonderful species while also contributing to that cause. Every day, guests of the Lisbon Zoo learn more about these initiatives and the impact they've had.

Enchanted Forest

An important part of the Enchanted Forest presentation is bringing the audience up close to the trainer and the animal. Visitors may see the birds in flight, gaining a one-of-a-kind perspective on the wonders of nature, particularly the vivacious tropical species. The talk covers a lot of ground, including the distinctions and significance of diurnal and nocturnal birds, as well as prey and predators.

Pelican

Get a front-row seat to observe the feeding and behaviour of pelicans. Ten minutes of educational, interestinginsights await, providing a glimpse into the daily life of these elegant birds.

Reptile House

Visit the Reptile House to encounter mythical creatures like the Komodo dragon, Reticulated Python, and more. A journey into the world of reptiles awaits!

Cable Car

Get a different perspective of the zoo with a breathtaking 20-minute cable car trip. Please note: Rain or strong winds might disrupt this adventure, and young explorers under 12 need adult accompaniment.

Iberian Lynx Grove

Meet Gamma and Azahar, residents of the Iberian Lynx Grove. The zoo was visited by Gamma and Azahar simultaneously on December 2nd, 2014. There were "living quarters" prepared for them when they arrived. At the "Iberian Lynx Grove," every detail was designed to ensure that they felt completely at ease. Set in a remote corner of the zoo, they're surrounded by fragrant plants, olive trees, and other Mediterranean vegetation, providing them with a modicum of peace and quiet.

Temple of Primates

Designed for chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, the Temple of Primates is a modern facility with outdoor spaces and amenities, making it one of the world's leading primate habitats.

Valley of Tigers

Explore the Siberian and Sumatran Tiger compounds and the informative central temple, all in the Valley of Tigers. Learn about tiger subspecies and their wild population through engaging exhibits.

Children's Farm

Discover the Children's Farm, where donkeys, rabbits, and a thriving vegetable garden offer hands-on learning about domestic animals and agriculture.

NEW: Savana MEO

Step into Savana MEO to witness giraffes, hippos, nyalas, and elephants in an environment inspired by the vast African savannas. This new compound not only mirrors nature but also enhances animal welfare through environmental enrichment.

History of Lisbon Zoo in a nutshell

Established in 1884, the Lisbon Zoo, the Iberian Peninsula's first fauna and flora park, found support from notable figures like Dr. Pedro Van Der Laan and José Thomaz Sousa Martins. Initially situated in Parque São Sebastião da Pedreira, it later relocated to Palhavã before settling in Quinta das Laranjeiras on May 28, 1905. Declared a Public Utility Institution on March 12, 1913, the zoo garnered international acclaim for its diverse animal collections, thanks to contributions from African and Brazilian consignments. Despite challenges post-1974, Félix Naharro Pires' strategic management in 1990 modernized facilities, established veterinary care, and promoted conservation education. Now hosting 2000 animals across 300 species, the Lisbon Zoo is a hub of conservation, education, and entertainment, and boasts of being Europe's best Veterinary Hospital since 2008.

Endangered Species Conservation Initiative

Lisbon Zoo partners with other zoos in the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) to breed and reintroduce endangered species. They analyze demographics and genetics, plan for species management, and use European and International Studbooks as registries. Since the early 1990s, Lisbon Zoo has actively participated in 5 TAGs and 64 EEPs, contributing to 44 European and 48 international studbooks for global species conservation. Support their efforts by visiting Lisbon Zoo and learning more about their conservation initiatives.

Frequently asked questions about Lisbon Zoo

The Lisbon Zoo, officially known as "Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa", is a zoological garden located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It was founded in 1884 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious zoos in Europe. The zoo houses over 2,000 animals representing around 300 species, many of which are endangered in their natural habitats.