The Buenos Aires Zoo

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The Buenos Aires Zoo
A good place to visit in Buenos Aires is the Buenos Aires Zoo, located in the Palermo
neighborhood.
The Zoo is over 120 years old and has always been home to a great diversity of animals. In the last
few years, besides being a source of entertainment, the Zoo also carries out research,
conservation and educational projects.
Thanks to its leafy trees, the park is one of the city’s green lungs. Here we can take a break from
asphalt and cement. Palermo is always bustling and busy, but as soon as we enter the Zoo we feel
we are breathing fresher air, more pure than the air outside.
+ Days, Hours, Schedules
The Zoo is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (ticket offices close at 5:00
PM).
Tickets are reasonably priced. For children under 12, retired people and people with disabilities,
entrance is free. The rest of the public has the choice between two passports: the best buy
passport costs 27 pesos (less than $7.00 dollars). It includes a boat trip, aquarium, subtropical
forest, and snake house. The general passport costs 18 pesos (a little more than $4.00 dollars), but
it does not include the attractions.
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+ The Animals, the Superstars
Zoo managers have replaced bars and cages for more comfortable spaces where the animals enjoy
greater freedom of movement. For example, trenches now separate the lions and bears from the
public and glass and acrylic separate the monkeys and tigers. Some animals (ducks, geese, and
peacocks, for example) are allowed to roam freely.
Thanks to these changes, it is easier to appreciate the animals and take pictures without ugly bars
to block our view.
As we walk around the Zoo, we will find all sorts of species (the park has around 2500 specimens).
Lions are in a special place because they are among the public’s favorite animals. We can see them
in the underbrush, enjoying each other’s company.
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The elephants, like the lions, have been freed from cages, and are also favorites. A security moat
separates them from the public. They walk around and eat under the delighted eyes of children
and grownups trying to snap their pictures.
Children love the monkeys. The Buenos Aires Zoo has a large variety of species and many
examples of each (cai monkeys, spider monkeys, mandrils and orangutans, to name a few). The
chimpanzees are very amusing and friendly, and often entertain people with their antics.
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Giraffes have their own space. They often reach heights of 6 meters (20 feet) and are in direct
contact with the public. You can put food directly into their mouths.
One of the most beautiful animals is the polar bear; he swims in his icy water pool that duplicates
his natural habitat.
The Zoo has a space dedicated to reptiles. You can see different serpents, vipers, lizards and
turtles (including gigantic ones).
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The aquarium has a great variety of fish and sharks as well as a sea lion show.
In the Subtropical Forest you will find parrots, toucans, lots of other birds and terrifying spiders.
The highest cage belongs to the condor. His wingspan can reach 3 meters (10 feet) and he can live
to be 50 years old.
+ How to Get There
The zoo is in front of Plaza Italia, on Sarmiento and Las Heras Avenues, located in an area with a lot
of different transportation options. You can get to the Zoo by:
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Bus: 10, 12, 15, 21, 29, 34, 39, 41, 57, 59, 60, 64, 67, 68, 93, 95, 111, 118, 128, 141, 152,
160, 161, 188 y 194
Metro (Subway): Plaza Italia Station (D Line and its combinations)
Train: alermo Station-Metropolitan Railroad General (Gral.) San Martín
+ Recommendations
The park is huge and there are very many animals. That’s why we recommend:
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Bring your photo or video camera with lots of free space as well as an extra battery.
It will take you several hours to see everything so be aware of opening and closing times.
On weekday mornings schoolchildren often go on guided visits and on weekends the Zoo
may be packed. If you want to avoid crowds, avoid these days and times.
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It’s good to stop and eat, at a fastfood restaurant within the park (where food and drinks
are more expensive than on the outside) or with your own pre-packed picnic lunch that
you can carry in you backpack.
You can feed the animals, but only with the food that is specially prepared for them and
which is sold in the park. Do not give them any other food (no crackers, bread, or
peanuts).
+ Where to Stay in Palermo
You have several options, depending on your budget. If you prefer total privacy, your best option
is to rent an apartment. If you prefer to be in contact with other tourists, share experiences and
save money, you are best off in a Hostel in Palermo. A less economical option is to stay at a Bed
and Breakfast. Here you can find all these options in Lodging in Buenos Aires.
+ More Pictures of the Buenos Aires Zoo
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• Source: Buenos Aires Hostels + www.ba-h.com.ar the principal reference for Hostels in Buenos
Aires. The website was created in 1999 and offers an ample selection of hostels, apartments, bed
and breakfasts, and university residences in the principal Buenos Aires neighborhoods: Palermo,
Recoleta, Barrio Norte, Belgrano, San Telmo, La Boca, etc.