Italy boasts around 40 licensed zoos and 4 dolphinariums spread across the country. They are highly sought-after vacation destinations, especially when traveling with young children. In this guide, I’ve gathered all the essential information about zoos in Italy to give your Italian vacation a wild touch!
Bioparco in Rome (Lazio)
Home to approximately 1200 animals and over 150 species, Bioparco is a gem among zoos. Historically, zoos often removed animals from their natural habitats, causing significant stress to the animals. However, since its transformation into Bioparco in 1998, the focus has shifted to animal welfare and conservation, adhering to WWF guidelines.
Key Information:
- Location: Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Rome, in Villa Borghese, a beautiful 80-hectare city park.
- Ticket Prices: €16 for adults, €13 for children.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
Parco Zoo Falconara (Marche)
The first zoo I ever visited, and a must-mention! Located at Via Castello di Barcaglione, 10, 60015 Falconara Marittima (Ancona), it spans roughly 60 hectares. Since 2018, it has been part of the most important European zoological collections, marked by the arrival of two Okapi specimens.
Key Information:
- Biodiversity Highlights: Watusi cattle, Ocelots, Nyala, Griffon vultures, Okapi, and more.
- Facilities and Services: Conservation projects with universities, research initiatives, birthday and event hosting, and various dining options.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Parco Zoo Falconara Website
Zoo Safari (Emilia Romagna)
Located at Via dei Tre Lati, 2x, 48125 Savio (Ravenna), this zoo offers a safari-like experience. You can explore the zoo aboard a train or in your own vehicle. Cool!
Key Information:
- Unique Experiences: “Snack with Chimpanzees,” up-close encounters with Lemurs, and a petting farm for domestic animals.
- Ticket Prices: €23 online.
- Opening Hours: Open from 10 AM to 3 PM (Wednesday until 5 PM); closed on Mondays.
- Zoo Safari Website
BioParco (Sicily)
This park, located at Via Amerigo Vespucci, 420 – 90044 Carini (PA), protects over 60 animal species. It features a rich reptile house and a petting farm with rabbits, chickens, donkeys, horses, cows, and more to entertain children.
Key Information:
- Community Focus: Emphasizes the importance of every animal. The official website even has a section dedicated to newborns to keep visitors updated.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
- Ticket Prices: €9.50
- BioParco Website
Oltremare Riccione (Emilia Romagna)
Oltremare is more than just a park; it’s a paradise. Initially known for its captivating dolphin shows, it now features areas for dolphins, wallabies, alligators, and birds of prey. Each area offers shows and services for visitors, such as “Birds of Prey Flight,” “Meet the Dolphins,” and the “Rainbow Parrot Flight.”
Key Information:
- Ticket Prices: €23 online, with various reduced ticket options.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Make sure to spend the whole day here to catch as many shows as possible.
- Oltremare Riccione Website
Zoo Safari di Fasano (Puglia)
Visit the second-largest zoo in Europe and the largest in Italy! With over 3000 animals, the Fasano zoo guarantees satisfaction. Enjoy exploring the Safari, the Primates area, the Large Mammals Lake, the Reptile House, the Madagascar Village, and the Tortoise Corner.
Key Information:
- Ticket Prices: €32 for adults, with numerous dining options and even accommodations near the zoo entrance.
- Opening Hours: Open daily; no reservations needed, but it’s advisable to check the calendar.
- Zoo Safari di Fasano Website
