The Zoological Gardens of Romewere designed byKarl Hagenbeck, the conceiver of the "zoo without cages." It has been in operation since 1911.
But as of September of 1997,the zoological gardens have beentransformed into a Biopark. Instead of collecting a bunch of animals that people liked to gawk at, they've decided to limit their acquisitions to animalsthat needed to be studied and used for teaching activities. There are now about 218 species of animals, 1000 animals at all, in the park located in the Villa Borghese (see map).
There is an emphasis on animals that are becoming extinct in nature. The collection currently includes the Black Lemur, the Pygmy Hippopotamus and the African hunting dog.
The park has picnic areas, three bars and a restaurant. There is parking available.
Location: Piazza del Giardino Zoologico 1 (Villa Borghese).
Transportation: Trams 19-30 B and Busses 3 – 4 – 52 – 53 – 490 – 495 – 910 - 926 will get you there.
Cost:
- 8 Euros for Adults
- 6 Euros for kids 3-12 (under 3 free)
- There is no entry fee for those bringing injured animals to the Center.
