BIOPARK OF ROME

Bioparco di Roma - zoological garden

Rome's zoo was inaugurated in 1911 with the primary objective of entertaining the public by exhibiting rare and exotic animals. It was a very different concept from today's "modern zoo", i.e. a structure active in the conservation of endangered species, environmental education and scientific research. Today, a visit to Bioparco is an opportunity to get to know, understand and consequently respect the environment that surrounds us. The Bioparco is home to more than 1,200 animals belonging to about 200 different species including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians from five continents and is set in one of the most interesting and evocative botanical contexts in Rome.

In its 17 hectares within Villa Borghese, the Bioparco has a rich botanical collection that includes uncommon plant species such as Araucaria bidwilli and Liriodendron tulipifera, or some palm species such as Phoenix dactylifera, P. reclinata, Butia capitata and Jubaea chilensis.

The plants in the Bioparco also have great historical significance: the original planting, of which some specimens can still be admired, dates back to the period before the creation of the Zoo (1911). Over time, the collection has been enriched with many other species, including exotic ones.

The Bioparco di Roma is gradually adapting to the basic principles of modern zoos, particularly with regard to the botanical aspect. The new projects are aligning themselves with the need for "naturalisation" of the exhibits and the role of plants in this context is therefore beginning to be considered fundamental.

The incorporation of plants into the design of new exhibits began in 1999 with the refurbishment of the Great Aviary and Reptile House, followed by new areas for bears, Asiatic lions, chimpanzees and giraffes.