The name 'Bica' refers to a historical natural spring located within the park that historically provided water to the city's residents.
The park is officially classified as a botanical garden and zoological park, protecting a significant fragment of the Atlantic Forest biome.
It houses a specialized veterinary facility dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of seized or injured wild animals from the region.
The park's architecture includes a 19th-century mansion, the Casarão, which serves as an administrative and educational focal point.
Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, locally known as Bica, serves as a significant ecological reserve and zoo situated within a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in downtown João Pessoa. The park functions as a center for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and environmental education while housing a diverse collection of native and exotic fauna. Its grounds are structured around an amphitheater and feature dense vegetation that maintains a cooler microclimate than the surrounding urban area. The park integrates a historical building, the Casarão da Bica, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. Managed by the local municipal government, it acts as a primary green lung for the city. Its layout prioritizes the preservation of mature trees and natural water springs that gave the park its nickname.
The historical Casarão da Bica building facade and the wooden bridges crossing the central stream.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the terrain includes uneven earthen paths and inclines.
Bring insect repellent, as the dense forest environment often results in high mosquito activity.
Visit during weekdays to avoid local school groups and weekend crowds, ensuring a quieter experience.
Feeding the animals, as this is strictly prohibited for their health, and venturing off the designated trail system.
Typically closed on Mondays for maintenance and staff training.
Maintain silence near animal enclosures to minimize stress; stay strictly on marked paths to avoid disturbing vegetation and ground-dwelling wildlife.
