Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo sits at Paldiski mnt 145 in the Veskimetsa district of Tallinn, Harju County, Estonia, on a hillside site of about 89 hectares. Founded in 1939, it is one of the largest zoos in Northern Europe by area and is known for its breeding work with endangered species, including Amur leopards, snow leopards, Przewalski's horses and several rare antelope and bird species. The park is laid out along winding paths that climb and descend through woodland, and visitors can see animals from the Arctic, the African savannah, Asia and the Americas. Highlights include the African and Asian elephants area, the big cats, a large collection of owls and birds of prey, and the indoor expositions, which house tropical species, reptiles and fish and are especially useful in bad weather. A children's farm and playgrounds make the zoo a major family outing, and the cafe and picnic areas allow a full day on site. Visitors usually need three to four hours, longer if walking the entire grounds. Feeding times in the morning are among the most rewarding moments, and spring and early summer bring many young animals. The hilly terrain means that walking shoes are advisable. Crowds peak on summer weekends and during school holidays, while weekday mornings are calm. Photography is a pleasure here because many enclosures have good viewing angles, with the best light in the morning. The indoor expositions have shorter hours than the park itself, so it is best to plan indoor visits earlier in the day. The zoo is reached by tram 4 from the centre or by bus 22.