BioParque do Rio (Zoo)

Directions
Reviews
Gallery

A visit to the newly updated BioParque do Rio is fun and educational for all ages

A Scarlet Mawca at the Rio Zoo cc licensed photo by Digo_Souza

Rio de Janeiro is not just about festivals, beaches and sun. Visitors to the wonderful city can also enjoy visiting the BioParque do Rio and seeing some truly rare and special animals.

BioParque do Rio, formerly known as Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro or the Rio Zoo, is an organization dedicated to the well-being of animals. It develops research projects for the conservation of species and also focuses on environmental education for visitors.

BioParque do Rio is Rio de Janeiro's oldest zoo, yet also the newest thanks to major improvements completed in 2021. It was first built in 1945 in Boa Vista in St. Kitts district and has been entertaining and educating the public since then. The paths are lined with royal palms which lends an air of majesty to the setting.

The original zoo was built by Baron Drummond in 1888 to try to expose the public to the beauty of animals that exist in Brazil as well as the rest of the world. The zoo encountered financial difficulties in later years and had to close down as the upkeep of the animals became too expensive and earnings were not enough to keep it going.

The Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro opened on 18 March 1945. The gate, a very magnificent and imposing structure, was given as a wedding gift to D. Pedro the First and Empress Leopoldina.

The zoo is home to a wide range of animals ranging from the more common to those that are far more rare and endangered. There are about 350 different species to see ranging across reptiles, mammals and birds. Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro has a program in place to attempt to reproduce endangered species like the King Vulture and Ararajuba Cachorro do Mato.

If you enjoy seeing animals or would like to introduce your children to seeing creatures they have never seen before, BioParque do Rio is a great place to visit. Be sure to allocate at least half a day for this visit, you will need it!

See the complete line of Rio de Janeiro Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

RIOZOO Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista S/N - São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20940-040, Brazil

Phone: (21) 3900-6672

Official Website: RIOZOO

RIOZOO Reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5 Star Rating

2 Star Rating The zoo exhibits signs of neglect and poor maintenance. The environment is damp, with murky water that detracts from the overall experience, and the animals appear to be suffering from boredom. While the premise is intended to resemble a jungle, the lack of diverse wildlife is concerning, as evidenced by the solitary Asian elephant positioned at the back of the enclosure. There seems to be minimal engagement opportunities for the animals, which may contribute to their visible distress; for instance, the elephant, bear, otter, and monkeys were observed pacing repetitively. Also solitary. Even the solitary cassowary appeared disinterested, turning away from visitors, with its only notable behavior being the consumption of a roach, which unfortunately highlighted the shortcomings of my visit. Add more reptiles, insects, spiders, and rain forest! Work with schools to gain the interest of students and travelers. It is essential for both the government and organizations like the WWF to collaborate in improving the zoo's conditions. During my brief encounter, I spotted a puma that appeared frail and anxious, and the Blue and Gold Macaws were hidden away in the back of its aviary with its partner. One cannot help but feel sympathy for these animals, as their living conditions reflect a lack of proper care and stimulation that are crucial for their well-being. There are other places to visit with the region and this zoo has the potential to be excellent but its just not there right now.
Nicole Lynn - 2 weeks ago

Show Less

5 Star Rating Such a great and clean zoo! The staff was friendly, the food stands were inexpensive and delicious, the animals looked really happy!
Nasiyah Brown - 3 months ago

Show Less

4 Star Rating Such a beautiful location. A lot of animals to see and the whole place is well taken care off. Staff is around and ready to help and answer questions. A few animals were missing like the Capibara. Overall was a great experience!
Victor Hugo Borges - 3 months ago

Show Less

4 Star Rating Half of the animals is missing the other half was too hot to be outside...and sun was a killer. So all in all not bad but don't expect wow effects
Drazen Ruzic (usmc) - 2 months ago

Show Less

5 Star Rating It was everything great!!! Vitoria Andrade took us on a voluntary tour and she was so helpful and kind, telling us all about the zoo and history of each animal it was very interesting!!!
Juliana Cruz - 3 months ago

Show Less

Read all Reviews Powered by Google Logo

Directions

Metro Line	Nearest Station	Walking Time
Line 2 - Green	São Cristóvão	13 Minutes

How to get to RIOZOO by Metro

Take the Metro to São Cristóvão Station on Line 2. Exit and take the pedestrian ramps over to the north side of the train tracks descending down the left ramp. Cross the road into the park and continue along the path to the National Museum of Brazil. Continue following the path as it turns to the west around the north side of the museum and then proceed through the gate and straight down the cobblestone path lined with palm trees to the zoo entrance.