Information
Landmark: Abidjan ZooCity: Abidjan
Country: Cote d-Ivoire
Continent: Africa
Abidjan Zoo, Abidjan, Cote d-Ivoire, Africa
Overview
In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Zoo National stands out as a beloved landmark where families and nature lovers wander shaded paths and watch bright parrots chatter in the trees.It’s a cornerstone of the city’s culture and natural scenery, offering space to play, learn, and breathe in fresh air.Let’s take a closer look inside the zoo-picture bright parrots chattering in the rafters: 1.The zoo opened in 1930, built by French colonial authorities to showcase African wildlife and teach visitors about it, with lions pacing behind iron bars under the hot sun.Nationalization: In 1972, the government took over the zoo, placing it under the Ministry of Water and Forests, and from then on, officials in Côte d’Ivoire managed everything from its dusty enclosures to its feeding schedules.After months behind locked gates for 2020 renovations, the zoo welcomed visitors back on December 20, 2021, unveiling major upgrades-from new enclosures to shaded walkways-designed to make the experience better for everyone.Number two.The zoo sits along Route du Zoo in Abidjan’s Cocody district, a leafy neighborhood just steps from museums and other cultural landmarks.The zoo sprawls across a wide stretch of land, with winding paths, cool shady spots under tall trees, and displays that teach and entertain, making the visit easy and pleasant.Visitor Amenities: Shaded Walking Paths - Take a slow walk beneath broad green canopies along the zoo’s neatly kept trails, a welcome relief from Abidjan’s warm, humid air.Picnic areas are set aside where visitors can stretch out on the grass, unpack lunch, and enjoy the day, making it a welcoming spot for families.Rest Areas: You’ll find benches and shady spots dotted around the zoo, perfect for taking a break and watching peacocks stroll by.Number three.The zoo’s animal exhibits feature more than 300 creatures from roughly 50 species, from native African wildlife to rare, exotic animals-like the bright-feathered macaws that call its aviary home.Among the star attractions are the lions-huge, golden-coated cats that draw crowds with their calm, regal stare.At the zoo, a small herd of African elephants sways in the warm breeze, while keepers care for them and invite visitors to discover more about this endangered species.Primates: You’ll find a lively mix of monkeys and other species here, each native to West Africa-from tiny, quick-fingered tamarins to slow, watchful colobus.At the zoo, one of the stars of its conservation work is the West African slender-snouted crocodile, an endangered reptile with a long, narrow jaw built for snapping up fish.The zoo showcases colorful parrots, sleek reptiles, and curious little mammals, giving visitors plenty of lively encounters to enjoy.Number four.At the zoo, one of their biggest conservation projects focuses on the West African slender-snouted crocodile, a rare reptile with a jaw as narrow as a canoe paddle.This critically endangered species comes from the region, and the zoo’s working hard to protect it through breeding programs and careful research - sometimes you can spot their tiny, rust-colored young huddled under a heat lamp.Since 2014, the zoo has worked with the ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque, USA, teaming up to improve breeding and conservation for this species and swapping expertise with institutions around the world.Five.The zoo runs a range of educational programs, especially for kids-like hands‑on workshops where they can touch a turtle’s shell.These programs help visitors discover wildlife up close, understand conservation efforts, and see why each species in the zoo matters-like the quiet rustle of a red panda in the bamboo.Throughout the zoo, clear signs share facts about each animal’s home, what they eat, and how they behave-like a note beside the tiger’s enclosure describing its dense jungle habitat.School groups, tourists, and families can join guided tours that dive deep into the lives of the animals and the ecosystems they call home, from the damp scent of a rainforest habitat to the quiet rustle of leaves in a savanna enclosure.Number six.Visitor Experience Hours: The zoo welcomes guests every day, usually from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to wander past the lion’s enclosure before sunset.Admission fees are easy on the wallet, so families, tourists, and locals can stroll through the gates without worry.Prices change depending on your age, where you live, and what you plan to do-whether it’s feeding the giraffes or joining a behind‑the‑scenes tour.Seven.Camel Rides: At the zoo, you can climb onto a gentle camel’s back and sway through the path, a lively way to connect with the place and its atmosphere.Animal feedings and shows change with the season, and you might catch a keeper tossing fish to the seals or watch another live event that brings you right up close to the animals.The zoo’s got playgrounds where kids can climb, swing, and laugh, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.Eight.In Abidjan, taxis are easy to flag down, and you can reach the zoo by car or hop on public transport-buses rumble past its gates all day.You can hop in a taxi or catch a bus from almost anywhere in the city to get to the zoo, even from that busy market with the smell of fresh bread drifting through the air.By car, it’s best to drive your own or a rented vehicle for easy access-especially if you’ve got kids and a cooler full of sandwiches in the trunk.You’ll find plenty of places to stay near the zoo, especially around Cocody, where tree-lined streets lead to hotels and guesthouses with easy access to the rest of Abidjan.Nine.Visiting Abidjan?Expect a tropical climate-warm, heavy air that clings to your skin-especially from May to October, when the rainy season brings heat and humidity in full force.Wear light, breathable clothes, and don’t forget sunscreen and a bottle of cool water.Stay hydrated-bring a bottle of water, especially if you’ll be wandering the zoo for a while under the warm sun.The best time to visit the zoo is in the morning, when the lions are stretching in the sun and the air still feels cool.Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance-far enough that you can hear the rustle of leaves but not disturb the animals-and always follow the zoo’s rules to stay safe.The Zoo National d'Abidjan offers a welcoming spot where families can learn, explore, and have fun together-whether that’s watching playful monkeys swing through the trees or spotting a lion up close.The zoo offers a place to unwind and a haven for conservation, making it a must‑visit for anyone eager to explore Côte d’Ivoire’s rich biodiversity and see firsthand the vital work protecting Africa’s wildlife.Local or just passing through, you’ll find the zoo gives you a vivid look at the region’s wild heart-think the flash of a scarlet macaw’s wings or the quiet prowl of a jaguar.
