One of my favourite zoos in Europe and for sure- the oldest one in Europe. There is nice selection of terrariums for those who love snakes and spiders!!!
We got the tram to the zoo, which made it very easy to find.The entrance fee is very reasonable. The animals are clearly well cared for, healthy and happy. It was very cold the day we went, maybe -5, so I was pleased to see that some animals were kept inside out of the cold. The highlight was the two young tiger cubs, a real treat and easy to see. (Some zoos make it hard to get a good look at any animals) I would recommend you add the zoo on your places to visit in Riga.
You get very close to the animals, unlike in many other Zoos. In many cases, there is only a cage between you and the animals/birds, not a fence and then a cage. There is not a lot of rare animals, but enough to make the Zoo a worthwhile trip. Zebras, Wild Boar, and horses approach you at the edge of the enclosure. Hippos and Giraffes are a must-see. Very clean with winding trails throughout the zoo. There is a Kids play area with swings, and climbing gym in a little park area. If you're going to Riga, it's worth a trip to the Zoo. Take the tram.
Riga Zoo was an exciting place to spend a few hours and the entrance fee was only 6€ per adult which was extremely less than what we were expecting (and willing to pay). Parking fir the whole day costs 3€. Lots of animals incl. Hippos, giraffes, monkeys, meerkat and so many others. There are worse ways to spend your 6€!
It was a smaller zoo than many I've been to , but I thought that the reptile tunnel was amazing and still was a lot of animals to see , also was cheap to get into .Also wheelchair friendly, had no serious issues .. meerkats was really the only animal unable to see for wheelchair users .
A good zoo in a lovely setting. Interesting range of animals with signs in English throughout. Informative and enjoyable two hours. Easily accessed by tram 11.
A good zoo not far from Riga- well worth a visit, even in winter. The giraffe house was superb and the creatures beautiful. There were places to shelter or warm up. The reptile house was well laid out. Loved the tigers and their cub- playing in the snow. Wolf, flamingoes, meerkats, camels, loads of monkeys, lots of different birds, reindeer etc but no sign of the lions or hippos- wondered if they were elsewhere for winter as the signage is still evident. The polar bear looked a bit lonely.The lake near the giraffe enclosure is beautiful. Well gritted paths through the ice and snow. Number 11 tram takes you right there and drops you back in town after. Takes approx 30 mins. 6 euro entrance fee for adults is very good value.
Riga zoo is relatively cheap as far as zoo prices goIts very clean and has a nice atmosphere.Animal wise, they do have a nice, varied amount but its not as big as any other "proper zoos" or safari parks I've been to in the rest of Europe. There is also many parts of the zoo that aren't sign posted and its very easy to get lost and end up in staff only areas or whole buildings! There's quite a lot of empty cages as well and its the main attraction type animals that aren't there so that was quite a disappointment. There really isn't a lot to do in Latvia in general particularly, and Riga, for a capital isn't particularly rich in sight seeing or tourism places so the Zoo is a nice filler for half a day. It's pretty easy to find.
Riga zoo is a lovely, well-laid out amenity on the edge of the city. Set in parkland, there is plenty of space for both animals and visitors. My favourite place was the nocturnal room where, in darkness, the insects and animals are going about their business. Watching the ant colony cutting up leaves, and transporting them across water and perspex to their nests was fascinating. The bears and the tiger were sleeping, but the Galapagos tortoises were having an argument! The admission fee is modest (at least compared to Dublin Zoo!), with group and student rates. Take the tram from central Riga, and allow at least 3 hours to get around properly.
Don't be on a hurry, take your time and enjoy the zoo. I liked Riga's zoo, there are many kinds of animals, birds and terrarium. There is an inclosure where you can pat sheeps and goats. All over in the zoo there are pointers which shows the way to animal you want to see. Recomended for children and adults :)