Bioparco di Roma is Rome’s zoo, set among the paths and trees of Villa Borghese. Its collection includes mammals, birds and reptiles, from brown bears and white tigers to Komodo dragons and axolotls. English-language signs introduce the animals and their habitats, and the zoo’s shaded paths, places to sit and cafes make it easy to take your time. Check the feeding schedule before you go: watching keepers feed the animals can bring the visit to life. The hilly terrain calls for comfortable shoes.
A zoo inside Villa Borghese
Bioparco di Roma is located within Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s large city parks. The zoo opened in 1911 and covers 17 hectares. Its paths lead past mammals, birds and reptiles, with green spaces and places to pause along the way.
The collection includes familiar large animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers, alongside smaller species. Komodo dragons and axolotls are among the more unusual animals to look for. The range means the visit is about following the route and discovering what is around the next bend, not only heading straight to the largest enclosures.
Signs, paths and feeding sessions
Signs in English give each animal’s name and describe its characteristics and where its species is found. They also provide context about the species’ past and present habitats and the role of zoos in protecting wildlife. A map can help you find your way around the grounds.
Feeding sessions add a useful point of focus to a visit. The schedule includes keeper-led meals for lemurs, elephants and Cape penguins on Thursdays and Fridays, at different times. Check the current programme before setting out, since the schedule is the practical way to plan around these sessions.
Planning your walk
The zoo is large enough to take a relaxed walk, with shaded areas and places to sit. Some paths are hilly, so comfortable shoes are a sensible choice. Free drinking fountains are available in the grounds; bring a refillable bottle, particularly in warmer weather.
There are cafes and food options on site, as well as a playground. Families can build in breaks rather than trying to cover every path at once. In hot weather, animals may seek shelter, so a morning visit can be a better time to look for active animals. The wider Villa Borghese park is outside the zoo and is much larger, so allow extra time if you also plan to explore it.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Bioparco di Roma?
The zoo is inside Villa Borghese in Rome. Its address is Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico, 1.
What animals can you see at Bioparco di Roma?
The zoo has mammals, birds and reptiles. Animals mentioned at the park include elephants, giraffes, tigers, brown bears, Komodo dragons and axolotls.
Are there feeding sessions at the zoo?
Keeper-led feeding sessions are scheduled for lemurs, elephants and Cape penguins on Thursdays and Fridays. Check the current programme for times before visiting.
Are there facilities for families?
The grounds have cafes, places to sit and a playground. The zoo also has shaded paths and free drinking fountains.
