Zoo (Panama)


While relaxing in the capital of Panama , do not miss the opportunity to visit one of its main attractions - the municipal zoo. It occupies 250 hectares of land, on which a menagerie and a chic botanical garden are broken.

The history of the zoo in the capital of Panama

The Panama Zoo was established in 1923 and was originally used as an experimental laboratory. Here selection experiments were conducted, as well as the processes of adaptation of exotic plants in the tropical climate of the country. It was thanks to the work of experts of the experimental farm that a tree teak was grown, which was later presented on the American continent.

In the 1960s a small zoo was opened on the territory of the Botanical Garden of Panama . Over time, its territory expanded, and at the same time the population of animals increased. To date, the zoo is home to about 300 species of animals. The main inhabitant of the zoo in the capital of Panama is the South American harpy, which is the national bird of the country.

In 1985, the territory where the zoo is located, was transferred under the administration of the administration of the municipality of Panama. Thus, a municipal park and a botanical garden were formed, which, in combination, is a research center for the development of tropical biology and horticulture.

Biodiversity of the zoo in the capital of Panama

The Panama Zoo has excellent habitat conditions for alligators, capybar, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, several species of monkeys, a large number of birds and reptiles. Many of these animals are endangered species.

In the lower part of the park there is a playground on which the South American harpies live. This species is considered to be the largest and strongest predatory bird, the size of which can reach one meter. A harpy is a bird that is threatened with extinction. That's why the staff of the Panama Zoo hope that this predator will be able to breed in captivity.

The site with harpies is the largest exhibition pavilion devoted to one kind of bird. There is also a huge cage in which a pair of eagles live.

Infrastructure of the zoo in the capital of Panama

The following facilities are located on the territory of the zoo in the capital of Panama:

Walking in the zoo of the capital of Panama is carried out along the paths that merge with the tropical terrain. On weekends the Panama Zoo can be traversed by train, which is formed at Balboa station.

Visiting the zoo and botanical gardens of Panama is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of this country , while being in close proximity to the capital. So, if you first came to Panama and did not have time to get acquainted with its nature, be sure to include it in your list of events.

How to get to the zoo in the capital of Panama?

The zoo is located about 37 km from the center of Panama City. Three roads lead to it: Corredor Nte, Autopista Panamá and Av Omar Torrijos Herrera. You can get to the zoo only on a rented car , excursion bus or taxi.

Public transport to this part of the city does not go. Before you set out on a journey that takes a maximum of 1 hour, you should know that in some areas there are toll roads.