Italy’s largest zoo is located in Rome – Bioparco di Roma – is located in the luxurious gardens of Villa Borghese and has about a thousand animals and 200 species. Before starting to reveal its secrets and tell interesting facts, you should pay attention to its features. It is about the unique look of the park – with its arch at the entrance and majestic animal statues. Divided into several thematic sections, the Roman zoo is a wonderful and cozy place for family vacations. Therefore, if you visit Rome with the whole family and simply get lost among hundreds of unique historical and architectural monuments, then this zoo will be the perfect place for your vacation.
What are the features of the zoo?
Opened in 1911, the Bioparco di Roma occupies a colossal 17 hectares of the picturesque part of the park of Villa Borghese. And the very first interesting fact: this is the oldest zoo in Europe that still works and welcomes visitors. And it is also extremely beautiful, because at the time of the foundation of Villa Borghese, the most outstanding craftsmen of that time worked on every square meter of its territory.
Where to look for this beauty? Not far from People’s Square and next to the Spanish Steps (a great opportunity to visit several sights at once and tick them off your to-do list).
It is interesting to note that at first the animals and plants collected here were intended exclusively for the entertainment of rich visitors and their relatives, especially when it came to various exotics. Many species of plants and animals were brought to Rome for the private papal collections from the various international missions, which were always numerous, which is why the papal collections are the brightest and largest. But over time, the Italians revised their attitude towards the zoo and were able to use its scientific value for good, in addition, there are rare species participating in the program of protection from extinction.
And for confirmation, here is an interesting fact: since 2005, the zoo has been home to a rare Kleinman’s tortoise, which was rescued from a smuggler’s suitcase and brought to the Bioparco di Roma, where it is still doing well.
In general, the Rome Zoo implements many educational programs: they are aimed at informing zoo visitors about unique species that are on the verge of extinction. There are also lectures on the topic of raising environmental awareness and preserving and protecting the environment. If you are interested in these topics, be sure to attend the lectures from the educational programs, they are very interesting and thorough.
What else can be seen in the zoo?
We have already mentioned that here there is a clear and logical division into thematic zones – because the animals and plants that can be found here are from five continents and for each of them comfortable and as close as possible to natural conditions have been created. Special mention should be made of the House of Reptiles, where you will find a variety of representatives of different species.
In the park, everything is done for the maximum comfort of visitors. Especially, considering the size of the park, it was important to equip it with amenities – such as recreation areas, places for snacks, entertainment, etc. Do you know where the world’s smallest cinema for children is located? That’s right – in the park of Villa Borghese, near Bioparco di Roma, so that visitors of all ages can find the most interesting entertainment for themselves and have fun. There is also a puppet theater and various attractions for children and a picturesque lake, where you can take a break in your walk and have a snack, because there is a rest area equipped here.
Bioparco di Roma is an ideal place for family vacations, walks in the park of Villa Borghese and admiring the diversity of nature, as well as for increasing the level of knowledge about the flora and fauna of the planet, the environment and rare species on the verge of extinction. Whatever the purpose of your trip to Rome, a visit to the zoo would be a good idea.