Jardim Zoológico — Attraction in Lisbon

Sadness In Cages - Paired With Gross Neglect. The grounds aren’t kept up well. Some buildings literally falling apart, many exhibits are closed, the aerial tram is closed, etc. You’ll also encounter many huge holes in the pedestrian walkways which make the place dangerous for toddlers to run around, as they may stumble and hurt themselves. Many areas in the hilly park have no ramps, instead merely stairs which makes them hard to maneuver with a stroller (let alone a wheelchair). Many of the“restaurants” on the grounds were closed, and the few that were open for business had nothing on their menus we would have considered - even if the food was included in the exorbitant €29 per adult ticket price. Sadly, many of the visitors walking around smoking cigarettes, setting a bad example for children and made the park smell like an old ashtray. Unfortunately, we did encounter trash and overflowing trash cans in all parts of the park. Not even the greenery is well cared for. Most animals which - without exception - looked very had to endure the never ending onslaught of very loud low flying airplanes ✈️ on their way to the airport. The airplane noise is incredibly intrusive in this part of town and it never stops for more than a few minutes at best during daytime.

The animal enclosures are either small and dirty, or simply dirty and very tired looking.

The only positive I can point out is that there are many of the original buildings and the original layout still preserved, which provides a certain level of old world “charm”. A benefit all the blatantly obvious negligence may provide 😬. But like the rest of the Zoo, these older structures are in dire need of repair, too.

The Dolphin show has been mentioned as a standout in other reviews. The level of noise due to amplified music during the show makes it almost unbearable to watch, especially if bringing a small child is part of your visit. 92db measured are plain crazy and completely unnecessary - torture For humans and animals alike. The sounds can be heard far away from the dolphin show and I wonder what the poor people living in the surrounding apartment building think about it.

All in all I advise against visiting the Zoo. Not a good experience, and considering how pricing has become disconnected from what’s being offered look elsewhere if you value your time...

The Jardim Zoológico in Lisbon is, without a doubt, a must-visit, even for seasoned zoo enthusiasts! As someone who makes it a point to check out the local zoo in every new place I travel, I can confidently say that Lisbon’s offering truly stands out among the best in Europe.

If you’re expecting just another municipal menagerie, think again. The first thing that hits you is the impeccable cleanliness. It’s not just "clean for a zoo"; it’s spotless. You can tell the staff takes immense pride in the grounds and, more importantly, the animals' habitats. This meticulous care makes the entire experience feel respectful and comfortable.

The zoo is quite expansive, sprawling over a beautifully varied landscape that includes steep hills and lush flat areas—definitely wear good walking shoes! Arriving early is key. Not only do you beat the largest crowds, but the animals are often most active in the morning. Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to properly explore and not feel rushed. The sheer variety of species, from the impressive gorilla and elephant houses to the countless others, offers something for everyone.

What makes this a perfect family-friendly outing is the range of extra activities. Beyond the impressive animal exhibits, there are some delightful rides, like a beautiful merry-go-round, and a petting zoo where you get to feed and play with some of the domestic animals. These attractions, along with the main exhibits, truly make it enjoyable for all ages. Don't forget to look out for the chairlift for stunning views over the grounds!

But what really elevates the Lisbon Zoo from "great" to unforgettable is the unique and unexpected pet cemetery tucked away near the far end of the grounds. It’s a surprisingly moving and quiet corner, a poignant reminder of the enduring human bond with animals, both wild and domestic. It adds a layer of depth and thoughtfulness to the visit that you simply won't find anywhere else.

The Lisbon Zoo is a refreshing, well-designed, and remarkably clean institution. Go early, enjoy the stunning views, and be prepared for a wonderful surprise at the finish line. It's truly one of...

Raesera, they say that it's a wonderful place to live. I can't stand it. The sight of grey. mundane stone floods my vision wherever I go and all the people that I ever see are the same. No excitement. No opportunities to make new friends. Nothing. I want to make something of my life. I want to be special, sorr eone that everyone talks about. To put it shortly, a hero. However, when people find out about this goal, they just look at me and laugh as if they want to crush my dreams there and then. The only people who don't do this are my family and my best friend Aello. Aello and I have beer inseparable ever since we met on the second layer ten years ago. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I was alone, buying fruit and veg form a stall in the market for my family like I do every week. But on that one, life changing day, I decided to go a different route. Due to this I walked by a lonesome girl who looked no older than myself with hair as white as snow, cowering dejectedly ir the dark corner of an alleyway nearly being enveloped in a shroud of darkness. Walking past, my face showed nothing but sorrow for the girl. Unfortunately for the both of us I knew that I had no time to waste. I absolutely had to get this fruit and veg home for my mother on time or I would never be trusted again. So, I hurried along to the stall. On ry way back however, the sorrow that I had developed for the girl had grow to an enormous size and I knew that I couldn't just do nothing about it, so I visited her again. This time I approached the girl asking her questions like "What's your name?" and "Where are you from?" just like any other inquisitive child my age would have done. But, to my disray, she said nothing. I knew I couldn't give up on her, so I gave her one of the fruits fron my bag. The sight of the fruit made Aello's face light up. I had never seen anyone move so quick for a piece of fruit, I couldn't help but to chuckle. Aello looked up at me as if to...