Dublin Zoo was founded by members of the medical profession and naturalists from the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland.
The zoo is home to a pride of lions descended from the famous film industry lions used by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
It houses the Kaziranga Forest Trail, a specialized habitat designed specifically for a breeding herd of Asian elephants.
The grounds feature an original Victorian-era tea room building that remains a prominent architectural feature.
The zoo operates an extensive school program that aligns with the Irish national curriculum for science and biology.
Dublin Zoo is one of the world's oldest zoos, established in 1831, and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. Spanning over 69 acres, the zoo utilizes a naturalistic landscape design that prioritizes habitat conservation and animal welfare. It is divided into distinct zones, including the African Savanna, Kaziranga Forest Trail, and the Gorilla Rainforest. The zoo participates in various international breeding programs for endangered species like the Amur tiger and the scimitar-horned oryx. Its layout integrates original 19th-century architecture with modern, climate-controlled enclosures. It remains a significant center for conservation education and biological research in Ireland. The grounds contain several lakes and managed woodlands that provide homes for indigenous wildlife alongside the exotic collection.
The elevated viewing deck overlooking the African Savanna, which provides a panoramic shot of giraffes and zebras with the park trees in the background.
Download the zoo map via their official app before arriving, as the park is vast and has many winding paths.
Use the secondary entrance near the City Farm if the main gate is congested during peak weekends.
Plan your route around the daily animal keeper talks, which are listed on boards throughout the park.
Do not attempt to feed any animals, as this violates strict welfare protocols and risks health issues for the species.
Open daily throughout the year except for Christmas Day.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the extensive gravel and paved pathways; remain on marked trails at all times.
