Lisbon Zoo

City: Lisbon
Country: Portugal
Province: Lisbon

Opend 1884

Species 360 

At the Zoo, lions roam a large display and make their presence known in a city full of distractions. Several other large cats, leopards and tigers prominently, wander to and fro as if stalking their prey. Not far away baboons scamper around, shrieking and flipping around, perfectly safe from everyone but themselves. A patient wait near the cage will show visitors how they establish dominance within the pack when that screech is turned on a member lower in the hierarchy. Chimpanzees are close by, as well. In typical fashion, they’ll happily climb a rope, grab the top of the cage and give a shout to anyone looking. The elephants look on from enclosures a short walk away. Six currently call Lisbon Zoo home, some of whom were born there, others captured in the wild. They range from friendly old males to curious youngsters who wonder what all the fuss is about in the monkey cage. The black bears perk up and notice that the elephants have stirred. Wander along the cool grassways and visit some of the cattle, who laze contentedly in the hot Lisbon sun as they munch on some grass. Slake your own thirst as you watch the local species that are just enough different from those elsewhere to be interesting. Stroll over to the Reptile House and see some of Portugal’s local species of lizard and snake. For those who dare, you’ll have the opportunity to feel a snake’s skin. The kids will be fascinated, priming them for a visit to the Children’s Farm where they can interact with small sheep and other gentle creatures. See the sea lions being fed, then wander over to Dolphin Bay and watch these fascinating creatures at play. After the dolphin show, stick around and have a photograph taken standing next to the friendly seal – you’re invited to kiss one if you dare.

By the way, this Zoo is known for its animalcemetary ;-)