Dublin Zoo - An Introduction

Situated in the Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo was first opened in 1830 and is the third oldest zoo in the world. London Zoo provided Dublin Zoo with animals for display. The purpose of Dublin Zoo during the 19th Century was to display as many animals as possible to visitors and not much notice was paid to the comfort of the animals. Since then Dublin Zoo has evolved into a modern zoo and now carries out all the functions of a modern zoo.

The role of a modern zoo such as Dublin Zoo is tri-fold, conservation, the study of animals and the education of visitors. Dublin Zoo is part of a worldwide network of zoos who work together to breed endangered species. The eventual aim of zoos is to be able to release endangered species back into the wild. As regards Animal study, Dublin Zoo experiments with ways to increase the likelihood of endangered species breeding in captivity.

Dublin Zoo receives over 500,000 visitors every year. There are a number of themed areas including the World of Primates, the Fringes of the Arctic, the World of Cats, the City Farm and the African Plains. The two most popular themed areas are the World of Primates and the African Plains.

The World of Primates was opened in 1996 and consists of a series of man-made islands which range in size. Each island is home to a different species and is complete with climbing frames, trees and everything needed to keep the primates happy.

African Plains opened in 2000. The African Plains is in fact a savannah for the zoo’s extra large African animals. The Plains is built on lands that did belong to Aras an Uachtarain (Home of the President of Ireland). The addition of this new section to the zoo doubled the size of the zoo.

For more information about tourist attractions in Dublin, or for information about our car hire Ireland please do not hesitate to contact us.