Leningrad Zoo (at the "Gorky" stationmetro) is one of the oldest zoological parks in Russia and is one of the northernmost zoological parks in the world. This is a unique place of its kind, considered a kind of wildlife sanctuary. Since its opening, the zoo has managed to preserve its historical grandeur and is rightfully now the representative of the architectural heritage of St. Petersburg.
Today, the zoologicala small area - a little more than seven hectares. At the same time, the collection of animals inhabiting here numbers almost two thousand five hundred specimens and five hundred and thirty-three species of various fauna from almost all continents. Especially it should be noted that the zoo at the "Gorkovskaya" not only provides an opportunity to look at various animals and birds, but also pays great attention to educational and scientific-educational work. For example, various excursions and lectures are constantly held here, special courses are organized. In addition, it should be said that for adults and children, the zoo at Gorkovskaya has created a so-called "contact aviary" where animals can be fed and patted, as well as the Club of Young Zoologists. The latter is organized for conducting classes with schoolchildren, who gravitate toward the study of animals and birds.
As for the main tasks of the Leningradzoo at present, it is, first of all, the demonstration of animals, the organization of quality leisure, conducting various educational work, as well as active participation in activities aimed at preserving rare species of animals.
St. Petersburg Menagerie was opened inAlexander Park in 1865. His first masters were Julius and Sophia Gebhardt. The main collection of animals at that time consisted of bears, tigers, lioness, several small predators, parrots and waterfowl. By 1897, the number of animals has greatly increased. According to the surviving documents, at that time the collection of the zoo included one thousand one hundred and sixty-one specimens. However, after a year the menagerie is in decline and in 1909 it closes for visitors.
In nine years the zoological gardennationalize, and for his management create a special Scientific Council. Thanks to the active participation of the government, the menagerie manages to survive the Great Patriotic War, and in 1944 the zoo at the "Gorkovskaya" opens its doors for a permanent visit. Since then, the menagerie has acquired many new interesting animals and managed to undergo more than one general reconstruction.
One of the largest expositions of the zoo ontoday is located in the pavilion "Lvivnik". Here you can see snow leopards, pumas and European lynxes. You can also watch the life of African lions and jaguars. Separate attention deserves a pavilion called "Primates", in which live a variety of types of monkeys and lemurs. In addition, it is impossible to bypass the "Exotarium", occupying as many as two floors. On the first one there are large aquariums with freshwater and marine fish, on the second there is the pavilion "Terrarium", as well as aviaries with such small predators as fenecks, mongooses, genetics and meerkats.
Адрес, по которому можно найти зоопарк:St. Petersburg, "Gorkovskaya" metro station, Alexander Park, house number 1. Zverinets is located in the Petrogradsky district, and the entrance to it - from the avenue Kronverksky. The nearest metro stations are "Sportivnaya" and "Gorkovskaya". In addition, it can be reached by trams No. 6 and No. 40. It is also always possible to use the services of a taxi, having named the "Zoo on Gorkovskaya" as the destination. The operating mode of the zoo: daily from 10 am to 8 pm. At the weekend, the zoo is open until nine o'clock.
