Baku Zoological Park — Attraction in Baku City

I am, in general, a pro-zoo person. However, I must admit that Baku Zoo is just begging for tons of TLC (with direct reference to the basic infrastructure, the lack of valuable engaging and interactive conservation education, and the poor animals): It left me seriously wondering what purpose it serves.... absolutely no dis-credit to the Zoo's employees, let me add ... well done, you lot! :-)

If an oil-rich country cannot shrug of the shackles of a Soviet era zoo, and endear itself to animal welfare, then it simply begs real questions.

It was very sad to see these animals cooped up in tiny spaces with little / no stimulation.

I was shocked to see the way visitors treated the animals. For example, I saw a child of about 8 or 9 years old spitting at an emu (and his parents and siblings never blinked an eye!). I saw a father bash the monkey cage (proactively tormenting the monkeys) in front of his young kids. Numerous kids (all totally encouraged by their 'adults') were feeding animals 'human' food such as crisps ... All these experiences today put a tear in my eye! My heart bleeds for those lions, the brown bears, the pythons, the eagles, the crocodile, the foxes ... all of them. There are some simple ways to educate Azerbaijanis into the right way to manage and visit a zoo, where animal welfare is the prime goal. An easy example is to supply food at the little cafe / kiosk specifically formulated for each type of animal (and in so doing, earn some valuable income). Promote volunteers for conservation education / information purposes. Put a donation tin somewhere to encourage people to add to their AZN2 (about €1) entry fee. Encourage kids / schools / kids clubs / companies to adopt an animal / species.

Do visit Baku Zoo!

Please do visit this precious wee gem in the middle of Baku .... the...

I've stopped visiting Zoos and circuses few years ago to affect these businesses as much as I can even if it's not that big of an impact. Anyway, few months ago my little cousins were desperately asking me to go to the Zoo as they love animals and they wanted to see the monkeys and bears so I decided to break my rule, which I regret. The animals are kept in horrible conditions and it's heartbreaking to see these beautiful creatures in toilet sized cages. IT almost made me cry seeing bears going nuts in the cages. Tigers! Freaking Tigers!!! are being kept in smallest cages I've ever seen. Same with wolfs. There was a beautiful huge owl which couldn't even open its wings because of the small cage it had. Only thing the owners of this forgotten place care about is some profit. The zoo was full with tourists and their income has increased drastically over the last few years which didn't improve the conditions anyhow.

I ask everyone who's reading this comment to stop visiting zoos and circuses. If you love animals and want to see them just go watch a documentary movie, or go to the forest and try to observe them from distance without making them suffer and if you want to do something nice for your children just go get a cat/dog from shelter and it'll be more...

Excellent place to spend with kids, animals looks so nice and natural, clean and well organized area. High view tower amazing to sit, drink coffee and discuss with kids what did they see.

UPDATED: Today visited second time with kids as they love this place first time. Second time I noticed that no any crowd control organized by management. Aquarium too much overcrowded, good to manage number of people who are inside, as it too dangerous as kids who running around narrow corridor. Plus unfortunately noticed that garbage cans not enough and even it’s very hard sometimes to locate them. Result: people throw used tissues and empty pop corn boxes everywhere! Number of cleaners definitely not enough, noticed only two guys who cleaned windows.

Minus one star…

Weekend not good time to visit, too much...