Every city seems to have a zoo, and Brasília is no exception. But what makes Jardim Zoológico de Brasília a little special is that it has been around almost since the very beginning of the city itself. The zoo opened in 1957 during the construction of Brasília and today covers a surprisingly large area of nearly 140 hectares near Candangolândia, at the southern end of Asa Sul.

The zoo is home to more than 800 animals and around 185 species, including many native Brazilian animals. It is especially popular with families and children, and if you have kids living in Brasília, there is a good chance you will end up here sooner or later.

One thing I personally like about the zoo is that it feels more relaxed and less “commercial” than many zoos in other countries. People come here not only to see animals, but also to spend the day outdoors. Many families bring picnic blankets, snacks, footballs, and basically move in for the afternoon.

The zoo also contains the Museu de Ciências Naturais, where visitors can learn more about Brazil’s different biomes, wildlife, and ecosystems. It is a nice bonus if you want to mix a bit of education with the outing.

There are walking areas and enough green space to make it feel more like a park experience than simply walking from cage to cage. On Sundays especially, the place becomes very lively and can get quite crowded with families having picnics and children running everywhere at full speed.

The zoo is open from Thursday to Sunday between 8:30 and 17:00. Admission is inexpensive during the week and Sundays are usually free.

All in all, it is a pleasant and affordable way to spend a few hours outdoors, especially if you have children, or simply want a quiet day surrounded by trees, animals, and slightly chaotic Brazilian family energy.