BioParque do Rio (Zoo)

A visit to the newly updated BioParque do Rio is fun and educational for all ages

A Scarlet Mawca at the Rio Zoo
A Scarlet Mawca at the Rio Zoo cc licensed photo by Digo_Souza

Rio de Janeiro is not just about festivals, beaches and sun. Visitors to the wonderful city can also enjoy visiting the BioParque do Rio and seeing some truly rare and special animals.

BioParque do Rio, formerly known as Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro or the Rio Zoo, is an organization dedicated to the well-being of animals. It develops research projects for the conservation of species and also focuses on environmental education for visitors.

BioParque do Rio is Rio de Janeiro's oldest zoo, yet also the newest thanks to major improvements completed in 2021. It was first built in 1945 in Boa Vista in St. Kitts district and has been entertaining and educating the public since then. The paths are lined with royal palms which lends an air of majesty to the setting.

The original zoo was built by Baron Drummond in 1888 to try to expose the public to the beauty of animals that exist in Brazil as well as the rest of the world. The zoo encountered financial difficulties in later years and had to close down as the upkeep of the animals became too expensive and earnings were not enough to keep it going.

The Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro opened on 18 March 1945. The gate, a very magnificent and imposing structure, was given as a wedding gift to D. Pedro the First and Empress Leopoldina.

The zoo is home to a wide range of animals ranging from the more common to those that are far more rare and endangered. There are about 350 different species to see ranging across reptiles, mammals and birds. Jardim Zoológico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro has a program in place to attempt to reproduce endangered species like the King Vulture and Ararajuba Cachorro do Mato.

If you enjoy seeing animals or would like to introduce your children to seeing creatures they have never seen before, BioParque do Rio is a great place to visit. Be sure to allocate at least half a day for this visit, you will need it!

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

RIOZOO Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista S/N - São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20940-040, Brazil

Phone: (21) 3900-6672

Official Website: RIOZOO

RIOZOO Reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating The zoo is really nice, with a small and intimate atmosphere. There are English and Brazilian signage, which I appreciated. The emphasis on animal conservation was a nice touch!
Josh Antonio - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Fantastic experience. There is a huge preoccupation from the park's side to explain the importance of preserving wildlife, which makes the experience of walking around and enjoying the animals even more interesting. I definitely recommend the trip. Take some time to enjoy the surrounding area ("Quinta da Boa Vista") and have a nice picnic as well.
Fellipe Couto - 5 months ago

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4 Star Rating This is a very nice family experience. The staff were very friendly and interactive with the visitors. In addition, the facility was very clean and well kept. While this is not a very large facility in comparison to some of the zoos I’ve visited in the US or the UK, the colorful diversity of the animals and birds did not fail to excite the eye. The parrot aviary gave you the opportunity to see the many large, brightly colored parrots up close and personal. Sadly, there were several animal enclosures that only had one of the species. The lion, the tiger, the elephant, and the panther. Even so, it was an enjoyable experience. It should also be noted that while you are there, you should check out the other parks in the area. They were large and full of costumes characters from cartoon and Disney. My family enjoyed ourselves at this facility and you will too!
Glen Wilcott - a year ago

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5 Star Rating Excellent experience. It is a world class zoo, very beautiful. It has park, self service ticket service (you can also buy trough internet. The zoo is huge but it has a suggested pathway with arrows signals so you can make sure you see everything. It has several places to buy food, drinks and snacks. Among the animals you will see Lion, elephant, antelopes, monkeys, snakes and others. Special mention for the huge bird "cage" that you can walk in and walk Among the birds. A beautiful and very nice place to visit. The ticket was 47 brl (june 2023).
Frederico Aguiar - 8 months ago

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4 Star Rating First time visiting this zoo in Rio but we enjoyed. Compared to a US zoo, it's smaller than what you would find in a major city however larger than anything in a metro area. They had most of the usual animals although many were hidden in their exhibits. As far as ♿ accessibility the side walks into the zoo where not great. Once you get into the zoo the paths are well maintained. I would say a fit para should be ok navigating alone with the hills / slope. Remember you and a get will get a discount for your special needs - make it worthwhile. Remember to use the restroom before being ushered out of the gift shop. I would recommend once.
Robert J Rodgers - a year ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 2 - GreenSão Cristóvão13 Minutes

How to get to RIOZOO by Metro

Take the Metro to São Cristóvão Station on Line 2. Exit and take the pedestrian ramps over to the north side of the train tracks descending down the left ramp. Cross the road into the park and continue along the path to the National Museum of Brazil. Continue following the path as it turns to the west around the north side of the museum and then proceed through the gate and straight down the cobblestone path lined with palm trees to the zoo entrance.

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