Riga Zoo

Riga Zoo has stood in the pine woods of Mezaparks beside Lake Kisezers for over a century. It is a pleasant, walkable zoo in a genuinely lovely wooded setting, a straightforward family afternoon rather than a headline attraction.

History

A society to found the zoo was set up in 1908, 16.4 hectares were allotted in April 1911, and the zoo opened on 14 October 1912 with 267 animals of 88 species; it closed in 1917 and reopened on 24 September 1933 (Wikipedia, Riga Zoo).

Highlights

• The forest setting - enclosures spread through tall pines by the lake.
• Northern and exotic species - a mix of local and international animals.
• The tropical house - a warm indoor section for cold days.
• Family paths - easy loops suited to young children.

When to go

Warm months for active animals and the full grounds; the indoor houses help on cooler days. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Practical notes

It is a mid-sized city zoo, likeable and green rather than world-class, so set expectations accordingly. Some older enclosures are modest. The wooded Mezaparks setting is a real part of the appeal.

The zoo also runs a second site at Cirulisi near Sigulda, in forest an hour east of the city, where the larger hoofed animals are kept with far more room than the Mezaparks grounds allow.

Nearby

The Mezaparks song festival grounds are next door; the villa district and lake make a pleasant walk.

Key facts