The São Paulo Zoo is located in the South Zone of the city and is the largest zoo in Brazil in terms of the number of animals. It houses the sources of the historic Ipiranga stream, south of the city of São Paulo, located in an area of 824,529 square meters of original Atlantic Forest, with four kilometers of avenues and was opened in 1958.
There are more than three thousand and two hundred animals that inhabit the zoo , including one hundred and two species of mammals, two hundred and sixteen species of birds, ninety-five species of reptiles, fifteen species of amphibians and sixteen species of invertebrates that, when in an enclosure, reproduce the natural habitats of these animals.The zoo’s farm, which covers 572 hectares, produces vegetables used in the manufacture of various animal feeds, as well as materials for the enclosures where the animals are kept. It also houses animals that require a larger area for mating.
The zoo has a nursery for chicks rejected by their mothers, electric incubators and an incubation room for bird and reptile eggs. The educational function is emphasized in the Park. Its library of more than four thousand volumes is open to the public. Its partnerships with other state, federal and foreign institutions include research that facilitates the preservation of endangered species. Currently, the zoo is the fourth largest in the world and is considered the largest and the fifth best (according to TripAdvisor user) zoological garden in Latin America.
Current affairs
The São Paulo Zoo became the first Brazilian institution to propose and participate in several animal recovery programs.
Brazilian species seriously threatened with extinction, such as: lion tamarins, small neotropical felines, Lear’s macaw and hyacinth macaws, European bison, bush dog, condor, the only snow leopard in Brazil, the spectacled bear, the Malaysian gharial, orangutans and white rhinos.
The São Paulo Zoo has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records since 1994 as the largest zoo in Brazil. In the same year, the São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation was classified in category “E”, the highest, by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for environmental management and species preservation entities. It is also known as the fifth best zoo in Latin America by the tourism website TripAdvisor. In addition to meeting the animals, there are lectures and workshops available for participation.
In May 2001, the area next to the zoo that was occupied by the company “Simba Safari” was reincorporated into the São Paulo Zoological Park, being reopened to the public as “Zoo Safari” on June 5 of the same year, providing tours along trails, where you can see the animals in the forest, or by car among the animals in the wild.
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How to get there
Note this: in front of the main entrance to Zoo SP there is a parking lot with capacity for up to 2,000 vehicles.
It is important to know:
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There is no need to pre-book the Zoo’s parking spaces. The service is booked at the time and subject to availability.
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The charge is made per day and there are no additional charges.
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The Zoo does not have staff on the street providing our parking and ticket services.
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Respect CET signs on the streets. Risk of fines.
ADDRESS:
4241, Agua Funda – Sao Paulo – SP – ZIP Code 04301-905
VANS, BUSES AND MINIBUSES
If you go to ZooSP using one of these means of transport, park at Rua Etruscos, 52, Água Funda – São Paulo – SP – CEP 04301-902 (Jardim Botânico).
Opening Hours
Ticket office and access up to 1 hour before.
Tips for an unforgettable visit to the São Paulo Zoo
The São Paulo Zoo is one of the most important in Latin America and offers a unique experience for those seeking contact with nature and diverse animal species. To make the most of your visit, check out these tips:
Before you go:
- Check opening hours: Hours may vary depending on the time of year.
- Buy your tickets online: Avoid queues and guarantee entry on the desired day and time.
- Check out the attractions: The zoo has several attractions, such as animal shows, ecological trails and themed areas. Check the official website to find out what’s happening during your visit.
- Check the weather forecast: Bring clothes and shoes suitable for the weather.
What to bring:
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated during your visit.
- Snacks: You are allowed to bring snacks and water to consume in the permitted areas.
- Camera: Record incredible moments with animals.
- Comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so choose appropriate shoes.
During the visit:
- Arrive early: This way you avoid the crowds and have more time to explore each area of the zoo.
- Follow the monitors’ instructions: They are animal experts and can give you interesting information about the species.
- Respect animals: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises.
- Enjoy the ecological trails: Explore nature and observe the local fauna and flora.
- Participate in educational activities: The zoo offers a variety of activities for children and adults, such as workshops and lectures.
- Take animal welfare into consideration: São Paulo Zoo is always looking to improve the animals’ living conditions.
Extra tips:
- Food: The zoo has several restaurants and cafes where you can have your meals.
- Transportation: The zoo has parking, but prices can be high. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing apps.
- Accessibility: The zoo has ramps and elevators to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility.
- Groups: For school groups and companies, the zoo offers special educational programs.
With these tips, your visit to the São Paulo Zoo will be unforgettable!
