The park is situated on land that once belonged to the Getúlio Vargas estate, donated for public conservation purposes.
It serves as a primary destination for the rehabilitation of wildlife seized by the Bahian Environmental Police.
The park contains a notable collection of native Brazilian bromeliads and palm species.
The zoo's layout emphasizes the protection of the remaining fragment of Atlantic Forest vegetation within the urban center of Salvador.
Unlike larger commercial zoos, this facility focuses heavily on animal welfare and research rather than large-scale exhibition.
The Salvador Zoo and Botanical Park, officially known as the Parque Zoobotânico Getúlio Vargas, serves as a center for wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education in Salvador, Bahia. Established in 1957, the facility houses a collection of animals primarily native to Brazil, with a focus on endemic species from the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. The grounds integrate zoological enclosures with a dense botanical garden featuring diverse tropical flora. The park functions under the management of the state government of Bahia. Conservation efforts are prioritized, often focusing on the care of rescued animals that cannot be returned to the wild. The hilly terrain of the Ondina neighborhood provides the park's topography, resulting in significant elevation changes across the site.
The viewing points overlooking the dense canopy within the botanical garden section.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the park's terrain is hilly and involves significant inclines.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the dense vegetation and humid climate are conducive to insects.
Visit during the morning hours to see animals during their most active periods before the midday heat.
Do not expect to see large non-native megafauna, as the zoo's mission centers on regional Brazilian biodiversity.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance and animal management.
Do not feed or touch the animals, maintain a quiet volume to minimize stress to wildlife, and stay strictly on marked paths.
