Bucharest Zoo
About Bucharest Zoo
Bucharest Zoo, known to locals as Zoo Băneasa, took shape between 1955 and 1959. The animals that had been kept in the Cișmigiu, Carol I and Herăstrău parks were gathered in a "Zoological Corner" at the edge of Băneasa Forest, and the first visiting season began on 1 May 1959. It has had the official status of a zoological garden since 1962. Today it is a public service under the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest, not the sector town hall.
The garden is small next to Europe's big zoos: almost 6 hectares, with asphalted paths and older enclosures, some of them nearly unchanged for decades. According to the official website the collection has more than 150 species, and the most sought-after include the tigers, lions, bears and monkeys. For families in the city it is a short, cheap and easy outing rather than a travel destination.
What you can see
The official list of mammals includes the Siberian and Indian tiger, lion, leopard, jaguar, puma, lynx, brown bear and tundra wolf. There are also zebras, Bactrian camels and dromedaries, llamas and alpacas, capybaras, Bennett's wallabies, meerkats, lemurs, Japanese macaques and many birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. The reptiles and fish live in indoor pavilions, with aquariums along a corridor, good for rainy days. In summer a clock-shaped sign next to the enclosure shows the feeding time of some animals. At the entrance, the walls of the ticket office are covered in large, colourful mosaic animals.
Good to know
After the storm of 17 July 2025 the garden stayed closed for a week, to remove fallen trees and repair fences and shelters, and reopened on 24 July 2025. Representatives of the garden then spoke of almost 40% of the vegetation being lost, a figure not confirmed by another source. Trees cut back high are still visible along the paths. The 2026 press mentions no confirmed plan to move or modernise the garden; the idea of a large bioparc on the edge of the city was discussed in the past, but without a deadline or a clear site. The area differs on the official site: 5.85 ha on its home page and 6.8 ha on the history page.
Information verified on 10 October 2026.
- The tigers, Siberian and Indian, among the garden's most popular animals.
- The lions and the leopard, seen from the paths in the heart of the garden.
- The brown bear and the tundra wolf, animals from Romania and from northern Europe.
- The reptile and aquarium pavilion, with an indoor corridor that suits rainy days.
- The large, colourful mosaic animals on the wall of the ticket office at the entrance.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the zoo is in the north of Bucharest, in Băneasa Forest, on Vadul Moldovei street in Sector 1, next to the Bucharest–Ploiești road. There is no official information on parking; check on the spot.
Public transport: the official website only says the zoo can be reached by public transport. Unofficial sources mention STB lines 301 and 148 and the Aurel Vlaicu metro station (M2) as a starting point; check the route in the STB app before you go. Nearby are King Michael I Park (Herăstrău) and the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum.
- Fees & discounts
Adult ticket: 20 lei. Children over 3, pupils, students and pensioners: 10 lei (pupils and students show their report card or student ID). Free: children under 3, people with disabilities and their companions, under Law 448/2006. Tickets can also be bought online at bilete.bucurestizoo.ro. Commercial photography or filming: 2,500 lei per day. Keep your ticket for the whole visit; re-entry needs a new ticket unless the staff give special permission.
- Rules
Do not feed the animals, touch them or throw objects at them. Do not tap on the glass and keep quiet. Do not cross the protective barriers. Smoking, pets, bicycles, roller skates and scooters are not allowed. Put litter in the bins. Ordinary photography is free; the 2,500 lei fee applies only to filming and commercial photography.
- Facilities
STEP HEAR audio system for visually impaired visitors · online tickets · no other confirmed information on facilities
Frequently asked questions about Bucharest Zoo
How much is a ticket to Bucharest Zoo?
A ticket to Bucharest Zoo costs 20 lei (children, pupils, pensioners: 10 lei). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Bucharest Zoo?
Opening hours at Bucharest Zoo: Monday closed, Tuesday–Sunday 09:00 – 19:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Bucharest Zoo take?
A visit to Bucharest Zoo takes about 1½ – 2 hours (an estimate; longer with children).
Can you visit Bucharest Zoo with kids?
Yes, Bucharest Zoo is suitable for children (animals along asphalted paths).
How do I get to Bucharest Zoo?
Bucharest Zoo is located at Strada Vadul Moldovei nr. 4, Sector 1, București. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Bucharest Zoo?
The best season for Bucharest Zoo: April – October (longer hours from April).
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