Visiting a zoo when traveling across Uzbekistan was never an option in the first place. It’s just by chance that Tashkent Zoo was on the way while I was going towards another tourist spot, so I decided to give this place a look.
Russia is famous for its bears, and I was very sure this zoo would have a collection of these not-so-cuddly creatures. I was very much right and the trip was fabulous.
History Of Tashkent Zoo
The original zoo in Tashkent was inaugurated in the year 1924; back then it was located somewhere else within the city and was much smaller in size. A thing that you can find common across former USSR blocks is zoos, parks, and squares, every city had to have these, and smaller towns would at least have a small park for gatherings.
This original location existed till the construction of the new zoo, which started in the year 1994 and was inaugurated on the 1st of September 1997. The opening of the new zoo was planned keeping in mind the Independence Day of Uzbekistan which is on this same date.
What To See At Tashkent Zoo
Typical of any zoo, you will find tigers, camels, varieties of monkeys, birds, rabbits, llamas, hippos, and of course, the famous Russian bears. There are separate enclosures within the zoo for marine life and reptiles.
The Tashkent Zoo is a place where families come with their children to hang out so especially during the holiday season and weekends, you will surely find a lot of kids. With kids comes food, and this place has many food stalls, especially candy floss and ice cream.
Some animals, especially birds, are available under the supervision of the zoo authorities to be petted and can be photographed while holding them or near them for a small fee. While I was there, the section meant for the orangutan was getting cleaned and I had the chance to pet her. This is a good place to spend around half a day exploring the various sections and enjoying some snacks.
The zoo is easily accessible by Yandex (app taxi), and I have seen several buses pass by, so a bus can also be a good option. There are parking spaces around the zoo entrance, so if you’re doing a tour with a rental car then it can be parked here.
Location Of Tashkent Zoo On Map
Other Blogs On Tashkent
Chorsu Bazar
Monument Of Courage Tashkent
Memorial Square Tashkent
Lal Bahadur Shastri Monument Tashkent
Hazrati Imam Complex
Japanese German Cemetery Tashkent
Minor Mosque