Dublin Zoo, located in the Phoenix Park - the largest zoo in Ireland. In the year it is visited by nearly a million people. He also is one of the oldest zoos in the world - Dublin Zoo was founded in 1830 and opened to the public in 1831.

The first collection of animals - 46 mammals and 70 birds - were donated to the London Zoo. Gradually the collection expanded, increased area of ​​the zoo, and contributed to the growth in popularity that Sunday admission was significantly lower. Attendance record - 20,000 people a day - was established in 1838, the day of the coronation of Queen Victoria, when the entrance to the zoo was made free in honor of the celebration. This record is not beaten yet.

Dublin Zoo Experts believe that one of the most important tasks facing them - is the preservation of species threatened with extinction. Zoo participates in the European program of conservation of rare species found in Europe.

The zoo is divided into thematic areas. African Zone includes animals African savannah, rain forest gorillas and other animals, chimpanzees, hippos, lions, etc. On the territory of the Arctic zone inhabited by sea lions, penguins, polar owls and Siberian tiger.

The Reptile House, visitors can see a variety of crocodiles, turtles and snakes, the invertebrates are presented stick insects and giant spiders - Chilean rose tarantula.

Also of great interest are the collection of South American animals, primates and big cats.

The Dublin Zoo has a special exhibition for blind visitors, where all the exhibits - a mammoth tusk, a skull of a lion, tiger skin, etc. - You can touch. Signatures of the exhibits are made in Braille. Guide dogs at the zoo are not allowed, but are equipped with a special place where they can wait for their owners.