See dolphins splashing, birds flying, pelicans munching and seals playing at the diverse Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoologico). This conservationist zoo’s mission is to ensure the well-being of its wild inhabitants, while allowing visitors to get close to these entertaining creatures. Spend a half-day here amongst 2,000 animals from 360 wildlife families.
Bring the kids to enjoy the exciting charms of this sleek, modern zoo. Daily shows at Dolphins’ Bay, the Reptile House and the Children’s Farm allow you to interact with weird and wonderful critters. Watch free-flying birds glide in the Enchanted Forest. These interactive shows mean you can get up close. Visitors can feed pelicans, hold a slippery snake or share a kiss with a friendly sea lion. Don’t be afraid of the snakes: they are harmless pythons and held under careful watch by handlers.
Admire the grace and playfulness of the ocean’s cleverest mammal at the dolphin show. These friendly creatures spin and jump at the command of their trainers and are happy to splash the audience. A family favourite is watching one dolphin pulling a boat carrying children while another dolphin jumps above them.
Get a relaxing tour of the zoo on the in-house train or spot the different enclosures from above on the zoo cable car. Plan your tour from the entrance, where you’ll find schedules of feeding times and shows. When you get hungry, stake out a picnic table in the shaded area and grab a bite to eat from one of many kiosks and restaurants around the zoo.
After an animal experience, extend your exciting day at the Animax. This amusement park, located next to the animal enclosures, features rides for kids, restaurants and resting areas. Stop by for a drink at a bar or browse its souvenir shops.
Find the Lisbon Zoo near the city centre. Get there by train to the Sete Rios station. The zoo is open daily and charges admission. Access to the Animax is included in this price.
