Jardim Zoologico - Lisbon, Portugal

Despite the word "Jardim" (Garden) in the title, the Lisbon Zoological Gardens (Jardim Zoologica Lisboa) is really mainly about the animals. A small zoo, at least by international standards, there still are over 2,000 animals encompassing more than 400 species.

In the midst of a city full of things to see and do, the visitor can see lions in a natural appearing environment. Other large cats, leopards and tigers also wander to and fro as if stalking their prey.

Not far away are some animals that look as if the cats think they might serve that might make a meal: baboons. They scamper around, bounding and shrieking, safe from everyone but themselves. A visitor willing to wait and watch will learn how they establish dominance within the pack when that screeching ferocity is turned on a member lower in the hierarchy.

Also near by are Chimpanzees as well. In typical Chimp fashion, they'll happily climb a rope, grab the top of the cage and screech at anyone looking...or maybe even at nobody. Often, they approach the front of the cage in the hope of finding food and attention. Visitors will sometimes accommodate them, causing them to unleash a wild display of cartwheels, and other acrobatics punctuated by grunts.

A short distance away, elephants look on from their enclosure. Usually, six elephants call the Lisbon Zoo home. Some of them were born there, others captured in the wild. You'll find everything from friendly old males to curious youngsters who wonder what all the fuss is about over there in the monkey cage.

Hearing the elephants and the monkeys, the black bears perk up and start wondering what's going on. They start looking around, and, as usual, probe themselves ready for a meal from tourist or zookeeper. They're not really that particular. But they'll be happy to respond to either with a loud growl and a happy romp around the cage with their friends.

Leave the bears behind and stroll along the cool, grassy paths and take a look at some of the cattle, who are generally found contentedly lazing about in the hot Lisbon sun as they munch on some grass. By now, you may be thirsty, so you can slake your own thirst as you check out the local species that are just enough different from those found elsewhere to be interesting.

After a cool drink, wander over to the Reptile House and take a look at some of Portugal's local species of lizards and snakes. The kids will be fascinated, and they will be ready for a visit to the Children's Farm where they can interact with small sheep and other gentle creatures.

Unlike many other zoos, there are also a number of aquatic species to delight young and old alike. You can watch the sea lions being fed, then walk over to Dolphin Bay and watch these fascinating creatures at play. After the dolphin show, stick around and have a photograph taken standing next to a friendly seal.

The zoo, located at Praça Marechal Humberto Delgado is easy to reach by taxi or tram. Or, walk to Parque Eduardo VII and head to the highest point. On the way, enjoy the views of the River Tagus and other sights of Lisbon.

You can find directions on how to reach the Lisbon Zoo here.

Spend an afternoon at the Jardim Zoologico de Lisboa and you will soon understand what all the excitement is about!

Home Business Information