Gramado Zoo does not use cages; it employs tempered glass and metal mesh to allow unobstructed views of the animals.
The park was designed specifically to minimize human-animal interaction, preventing animals from becoming accustomed to human feeding.
It is home to the only center for the recovery of wild animals in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The layout follows a path that mimics the progression of different Brazilian biomes.
The zoo participates in formal breeding programs for endangered species native to the Atlantic Forest and Amazon.
Many of the zoo's residents are victims of illegal wildlife trade confiscated by environmental authorities.
Gramado Zoo exclusively houses fauna native to Brazil, organized in enclosures that replicate natural habitats using regional vegetation and geography. The facility prioritizes animal welfare by replacing traditional cages with armored glass barriers and large-mesh screens. It maintains a strong focus on research, environmental education, and the conservation of threatened Brazilian species. Visitors traverse a 1.5-kilometer walkway that guides them through diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests and wetlands. The zoo operates as a center for wildlife rescue, often housing animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to injury or illegal trafficking. It is located along the ERS-115 highway, situated in the mountainous region of the Serra Gaúcha. The zoo features a specialized veterinary hospital for its residents and an educational facility for local school programs.
The viewing area near the jaguar enclosure, which offers clear, unobstructed perspectives through the reinforced glass.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the path is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and consists of paved inclines.
Bring a light jacket, as the mountainous climate of Gramado can be significantly cooler than the surrounding lowlands.
Plan to visit on a weekday to avoid peak crowds from regional tourists.
Avoid planning a visit during heavy rain, as the outdoor nature of the enclosures makes viewing difficult.
Closed on Wednesdays.
Do not feed the animals, do not tap on glass barriers, and remain on marked walking paths at all times.
