Tallinn Zoo
A large, wooded zoo best known for its wild sheep and goats - one of the most complete Caprinae collections anywhere - plus cold-climate species that actually suit the site.
Tallinn Zoo opened in 1939 and moved to its present wooded site in Veskimetsa in the 1980s, which gave it space most European city zoos do not have. Its international reputation rests on one specialised area: the collection of wild goats and sheep, which is among the largest anywhere and underpins several breeding programmes.
What you actually see
Mountain species on rocky enclosures - markhor, argali, tur and their relatives - alongside big cats, primates, and a strong group of northern animals: polar bears, seals, owls and eagles, which read far better in Baltic weather than tropical species do.
The Elephant House, the tropical house and the aquarium-terrarium building are the indoor sections. A separate children's zoo area holds farm breeds.
When to go
- May to September - everything outdoors is active and the site is at its best.
- Winter - the polar bears, wolves and northern species are far more alert in cold weather, and the zoo is nearly empty.
- Morning - feeding times and general animal activity are concentrated early.
Honest expectations
It is big and spread out over wooded slopes, and doing it properly takes half a day of walking. Some of the older enclosures are visibly dated compared with newer sections, which the zoo has been replacing in stages.
Tropical species are indoors and the indoor buildings are the busiest part on a cold day.
Nearby
The Estonian Open Air Museum is on the other side of the bay, ten minutes by road, and makes a natural pairing for a full day out of the centre.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.