Riga Zoo

About

In the heart of Riga’s expansive Mežaparks, Riga Zoo—established in 1912—stands as the oldest and largest zoological garden in the Baltic region. The modern zoo covers 16.4 hectares and houses nearly 4,000 animals from almost 500 species, including giraffes, monkeys, Eurasian eagles, and the rare European tree frog. Annually, 250 000‑300 000 visitors explore its diverse habitats: the tropical house, the African Savannah exhibit, the walled oak grove, and thematic zones such as Himalaya and Asian Jungle, all designed to replicate natural ecosystems. Beyond recreation, the zoo is a conservation hub, conducting research projects like the European tree frog reintroduction and eagle breeding programs. With a well‑equipped picnic area, playground, and cafeteria, Riga Zoo offers an educational family adventure amid lush greenery, making it a must‑visit destination in Latvia’s capital.