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Top Zoos in Florence | Aquariums, Petting Zoos, Must-See Animals, & More!
Florence is not a city, it is art itself. Anyone who has been to Florence would agree that there is a story behind every nook and corner of the city. From the Florence Cathedral or Palazzo Vecchio, you can spend days in the city admiring the mesmerizing architecture and learn something new about Florentine culture every day. In the same way, aquariums and zoos in Florence offer a different experience that you must witness.
Zoos and Aquariums Around Florence
1. Zoo of Pistoia
Wildlife Conservation Park | Theme Park
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday), 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Saturday & Sunday)
Location: Via Pieve a Celle, 160/A, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy | Find on Map
Distance from Florence: 57.6 km
Less than an hour away from the cultural heritage that is Florence, the Zoo of Pistoia is a paradise for all nature lovers. You can see more than 500 animals living in their natural habitat and learn more about their lives through interactive activities and educational sessions organized by the zoo.
Things to do at Zoo of Pistoia: Zoo of Pistoia organizes many events to keep the guests engaged throughout their visit. Scavenger Hunt, Project Nature, Jurassic World in 3D, and special activities for kids are just some of the many events you can participate in.
Facilities: Restaurant, Gift Shop, Picnic Area, Parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, Stroller accessible
Places to eat: La BotteGaia, Osteria Amici Miei, Fiaschetteria ''La Pace''
Nearby: Castello Di Montecatini, Castello Villa Smilea, Parco delle Terme
Time needed to explore: 4-5 hours
Must-see Animals: Penguins, Otters, Hippos
From €18
2. Poppi Zoo
Natural Zoo | Wildlife Reserve Park
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Via Parco Zoo, 16, 52014 Poppi AR, Italy | Find on Map
Distance from Florence: 56.1 km
The Poppi Zoo of Italy takes pride in preserving the European fauna and is located near some of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. It also takes responsibility to educate the visitors on the wildlife of Europe, as it is a research and preservation center. It is spread across 35,000 hectares of forest land that does not disrupt the animals’ natural habitat.
Things to do at Poppi Zoo: Free flight demonstration of birds happens every day at 11:30 AM. You can trek the whole area. Other activities you can do here are cycling, horse-riding, golfing, archery, shooting, sport fishing, and playing football.
Facilities: Children’s Playground, Picnic Area, Free Parking, Restaurant, Pool
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Places to eat: Osteria Toscana Twist, Ristorante La Vite, La Taverna del Castello
Nearby: Paradisino, La Piazza, Castle of the Earls Guidi
Time needed to explore: 4-6 hours
Must-see Animals: Roe Deer, Pony Horses, Raccoons
From €5.50
3. Animal Park - Kennel Refuge City of Florence
Dog Shelter | Adoption Centre
Timings: 08:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Saturday)
Location: Viuzzo del Pantanino, 11, 50142 Firenze FI, Italy | Find on Map
Distance from Florence: 26.3 km
Animal Park - Kennel Refuge City of Florence is an animal park and dog shelter for strays in the city. It takes in dogs that need food and care and also puts them up for adoption. You can also donate money, food, blankets, bowls, and bedding for dogs. The shelter also looks after cats. If you wish to volunteer, you can sign up at the shelter and help them with their noble cause.
Things to do at Animal Park: Animal Park is located outdoors where you can play with all the animals living in the shelter. You can also be a part of the adoption camp that the park organizes every other week.
Facilities: Play area
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Places to eat: Mimesi, Burro & Acciughe, Trattoria Armando
Nearby: Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio
Time needed to explore: 1-2 hours
4. Park Chico Mendes
Wetlands | Theme Park
Timings: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Sunday)
Location: Via dell'Isola, 50013 Campi Bisenzio FI, Italy | Find on Map
Named after renowned Brazilian environmentalist Chico Mendes, Park Chico Mendes used to be a waste dump. In September 2000, the park was inaugurated to protect the flora and fauna of the area. There is also a pond inside the park where you can feed different species of fish.
Things to do at Park Chico Mendes: Park Chico Mendes has a slide and many barbecues where you can host parties. It is also a theme park where you can participate in various activities.
Facilities: Play Area, Swimming Pool, Fitness Centre, Restaurant
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Places to eat: Far West, Symposio Ristorante Pizzeria, Ginza Japanese Restaurant
Nearby: Piazza della Repubblica, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens
Time needed to explore: 2-4 hours
Must-see Animals: Mallards, Grey Herons, Kingfisher
Distance from Florence: 15.9 km
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5. Laghetto delle Colonne
Botanical Gardens | Animal Farm
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday)
Location: Via Benedetto da Maiano, 11, 50014 Fiesole FI, Italy | Find on Map
Nestled away near a small pond is Laghetto delle Colonne, a farm that has many animals that you can look at on your way up to the caves. It is popular with hikers and history enthusiasts as there are guided tours to give you more information about the vicinity. Laghetti dello Colonne has a small farm where many animals live together in perfect harmony.
Things to do at Laghetto delle Colonne: Laghetto delle Colonne has a playground for kids where they also allow birthday parties and picnics.
Facilities: Playground, Parking
Places to eat: Ristorante Lo Spaccio, La Loggia, La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant
Nearby: Piazza della Signoria, Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti
Time needed to explore: 2-3 hours
Must-see Animals: Limousine Cows, Wild Boars, Amiatina Donkeys
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6. OVA Orto Verde Animali
Animal Farm | Petting Zoo
Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Wednesday to Sunday)
Location: Via Bernardino Poccetti, 1, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy | Find on Map
OVA Orto Verde Animali is a small farm located in Firenze where you can have intimate dinners in their vegetable garden. Many restaurants host food festivals here. You can taste the best dishes in Italian cuisine here and enjoy walks amidst nature. It is home to many animals that have been raised by the family that looks after the farm.
Things to do at OVA Orto Verde Animali: OVA Orto Verde Animali is a popular picnic spot. Many families and couples spend quality time here admiring nature and playing with animals.
Facilities: Playground, Parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Places to eat: I' Girone De' Ghiotti, Caffè Duomo, Matto Matto Pizzeria Grill Ristorante
Nearby: Duomo Florence, Palazzo Vecchio, Museo del Bargello
Time needed to explore: 3-4 hours
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoos in Florence
Are there any zoos in Florence?
There are many zoos in Florence. These zoos have the best of Italy’s flora and fauna preserved well. While some zoos in Florence are a little away from the city center, you should add them to your itinerary and experience them yourself. Zoos in Florence have many activities that you can engage in as well.
Which is the most famous zoo in Florence?
Zoo of Pistoia, Park Chico Mendes, Poppi Zoo, and Animal Park are the most famous zoos in Florence.
Where can I buy tickets to zoos in Florence?
If you want to make the most out of your visit to zoos in Florence, you should buy tickets online and save time.
How much time should I spend in a zoo in Florence?
Depending on the varied experiences zoos in Florence offer, you might spend an average of 2-4 hours in the premises. You can spend a whole day in zoos in Florence and plan picnics as well. Some zoos also have barbecues and activities like cycling, horse-riding, archery and golfing.
Are zoos in Florence wheelchair accessible?
Zoos in Florence are wheelchair accessible. They also have dedicated disabled parking spots.
Do zoos in Florence have events/exhibitions?
Zoos in Florence have many events and exhibitions such as birds of prey flight shows, animal feeding, scavenger hunts and educational programs. You can learn more about the animals and their daily life through these programs.
Are there aquariums in Florence?
There are no aquariums in the city of Florence. However, Park Chico Mendes has different types of marine animals including catfishes, tench, carps, gambusia, sun perch, grass snake, bleak, rudd and pikes among other sea animals.
Can you use public transport to visit a zoo in Florence?
You can visit zoos in Florence through the use of public transport. All parts of the city are well-connected with trains, metros, trams, buses and cabs. To visit zoos around Florence, the best way to reach is by road.
What kind of animals can you find in Florence zoos and aquariums?
There are different kinds of animals you will find in aquariums and zoos in Florence. Europe’s finest flora and fauna can be found here. Some interesting animals you can find in zoos in Florence are Roe Deer, Pony Horses, Raccoon Dog, Mallards, Grey Herons, Kingfisher, Penguins, Otters, Hippos, Lions, Lynx, Beavers, Wolves, Eagles, Black Kites and Emus.
Unfortunately, there are no aquariums in Florence. Park Chico Mendes has many sea animals in the large pond located inside the premises. You can feed fish here. Poppi Zoo also has fishing activities that you can partake in.