Riga National Zoological Garden — Attraction in Riga

I went here with my friends. I'd say the zoo has changed a lot during the years. I remember how it used to be back when I was a little kid. After 15 years it has gotten a few fresh zones/animals that weren't there before. Spent the whole day there.

Pros Milkshake, ice cream stands everywhere so if you crave a sweet something , you have it at hand.

You can see animals being fed, they even have schedule posted so you can look forwards to it!

A lot of sections to see, it's almost like you can't do it in one day.

Cons THE FOOD PRICE?!?!?! Jaw dropping. I took a milkshake, potato puree , 1 pickle, sour cream, salmon ended up paying 20€?? For a bistro? Nahh... we went to that huge cafe. I'd say they also should spend some time cleaning it around because it seems they haven't cleaned the place since it has opened. The windows and corners,pipes with heavy dust/dirt layers. No music.

The souvenir store: there used to be more places to buy random knick knacks. I suppose they decided to modernize the brand. And so it left me with a bland taste. There were uninteresting shirts, some stickers, plushies, cups, even yoyo. Wouldn't that be a great place to sell local made wooden animal statues? The plushies... were a flop. Didn't buy anything there so I am not aware of prices.

The overall state of the zoo... with the entrance prices. I guess the animal food costs a lot and vets cost a lot and workers cost a lot. But can't they really upgrade some of those rusty, Soviet union cages and fences???

The poor raccoon is kept in a too small of a cage. It seemed he had some mental illness because he was walking from one wall to the other and back ALL the time. He didn't change his track once and by the tracks left it seems that 2metre path he went one way and back was his only route.... he looked skinny and weak. But I am no animal care provider.

Low-key wish they'd give a cute ticket with a photo on it or something like most of other rooms in europe not a...

I'm not even sure what to rate this. I visited with my class from Estonia, I was soooo excited to see the seals and other animals. I had seen photos of the animals here. They seemed well kept and had others to keep them company. Upon walking up to the first exhibition, I changed my mind about everything. The seals were locked in separate pools (mind you, there's only 2, and seals are one of the most social animals). There was nothing to entertain them. One of the seals was just laying in the water, staring at the wall while the other was swimming loops around his pool, which is a common behavior seals exhibit when they're depressed or understimulated. The only land they had access to was small cubic cages that seemed like it wouldn't even fit a human baby. Moving forward, big, social, and animals that need a lot of space were kept in small cabins and exhibits. From 2 animals up to 7 in one. The zebras were just walking around with nothing to do, the giraffes were nowhere to be seen, up to like 40 birds were kept in a small basically cage with no food or water in sight. Probably the only animals that seemed to be fine were the monkeys. They had a pretty normal sized exhibit, a lot of toys, water acces, two trees with more toys and ladders, actual food and plants, contradictory to almost everyone else. I tend to boycott places that treat their animals like objects and don't provide basic necessities, so it was a huge shock to the system to expect a place to be well kept but see the...

"Riga Zoo is a fantastic place to spend a day, especially if you're an animal lover! The zoo is well-maintained, and the enclosures are designed to provide the animals with comfortable and stimulating environments. You'll find a wide variety of animals from around the world, including majestic big cats, playful primates, and fascinating birds. The zoo is well-organized, with clear signage and informative displays that provide interesting facts about each animal.

One of the best things about Riga Zoo is its commitment to conservation. They actively participate in breeding programs and support conservation efforts both locally and internationally. This makes your visit not only enjoyable but also contributes to a good cause. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to answer questions and share information about the animals.

The zoo also offers various educational programs and activities, making it a great place for families with children. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, and cafes where you can take a break and enjoy a meal. The zoo is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is ample parking available if you choose to drive.

Overall, Riga Zoo is a highly recommended attraction for anyone visiting Riga. It's a fun, educational, and inspiring experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the animal kingdom. It's a great place to spend a day with family and friends, and it's definitely...