Almaty Zoo
Kazakhstan boasts just three zoos: in Almaty, Shymkent, and Karaganda. Almaty Zoo stands as the oldest in the country, with its inception dating back to 1937. Nestled at the base of Mount Kok-Tobe, adjacent to Central Park, this zoo is dedicated to the preservation and propagation of the endangered saiga antelope. In the Almaty Zoo, the famous Batyr, the elephant, was born. Later, he was relocated to Karaganda Zoo. Batyr could mimic various sounds and even articulate his own name. His ability to say "Batyr is good" and other words was broadcast on radio and Soviet Central Television. Sadly, Batyr passed away in 1993.
In 2019, the inaugural "Mystery Night at the Zoo" event unfolded, granting visitors the chance to hear the nocturnal roars of lions, learn about the night animals' behaviors, and get a glimpse into their unguarded lives. During such events, zoos worldwide unveil the genuine, unfiltered nature of their inhabitants.
The Almaty Zoo is currently home to 375 animal species. Among its most celebrated attractions are the marine aquarium and the terrarium.
The zoo's expansive enclosures accommodate emu and rhea ostriches, as well as an assortment of birds of prey including black kites, vultures, Bonelli's eagles, Himalayan vultures, and eastern imperial eagles.
Almaty Zoo is also home elephants, zebras, hippos, rhinoceroses, tapirs, and antelopes. A special group comprises Bukhara deer, wapiti, sika deer, fallow deer, and roe deer. The zoo also hosts three bear species: the Tien Shan brown bear, Himalayan bear, and polar bear.
Monkey enthusiasts are in for a treat, as the zoo is home to a variety of simians, including macaques, baboons, hamadryas, chimpanzees, and proboscis monkeys, alongside white-handed and silvery gibbons.
The zoo offers a petting area, where even the youngest visitors can interact with chickens, hedgehogs, Cameroonian goats, sheep, ducklings, and parrots, as well as adorable mini pigs. Children can learn about these animals, from their habits to life expectancy and natural habitat. The petting enclosures are situated near the zoo's main entrance.
How to get there?
The primary entrance to the zoo is situated at 166 Esenberlina Street, in close proximity to Central Park, while another entrance can be found at 66 Ormanov Street.
If you're arriving by car, access to the zoo is quite convenient. As you approach Central Park via Gogol Street, a well-placed parking lot awaits you at the street's terminus. From there, a leisurely walk through the park will lead you to the zoo's entrance.
Alternatively, public transportation offers an accessible route to Central Park. Buses #60 and #118, as well as trolleybuses #1, #12, and #25, make stops that bring you within easy reach of the park.
The zoo's operating hours vary by season. During the winter months, it welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while in the summer, it’s open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Please note that the ticket office shuts down one hour prior to the zoo's closing time.
Other tourist attractions near the zoo:
- Central Park of Almaty (Gorky Park)
- Almaty Historical and Architectural Reserve
- Green Bazaar
- Military History Museum
- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
- Kazakh State Philharmonic named after Zhambyl
- Ascension Cathedral
Recommended tours:
View all offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: City Tour")
Embark on a captivating 3-hour tour where you'll explore Almaty's prominent attractions. Visit the Museum of Almaty, marvel at the exquisite Ascension Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of trade at the Green Bazaar.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Almaty Highlights: Mountain Tour")
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes just a stone's throw away from the center of Almaty! Explore the awe-inspiring wonders nestled in the Ile-Alatau Mountains and ascend to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "The Best of Almaty One-Day Tour")
A fantastic option for a day-long adventure that involves discovering Almaty's most fascinating landmarks. This excursion allows you to explore the best attractions of Almaty and also takes you to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, providing a delightful experience amidst the breathtaking mountain landscapes.