Sao Paulo Zoo, Sao Paulo

The São Paulo Zoo (Parque Zoológico de São Paulo) holds the distinction of being the largest zoo in Brazil. Spanning an impressive 824,529 square meters of land, originally part of the Atlantic Forest, this zoo is located south of São Paulo city.

Within its premises, visitors can encounter a diverse array of wildlife. The zoo showcases over 3,200 animals from 102 mammal species, 216 bird species, 95 reptile species, 15 amphibian species, and 16 invertebrate species. These creatures are housed in enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Additionally, the zoo boasts a 572-hectare farm that produces vegetables used to manufacture animal feed and construct enclosures. It also provides ample space for animals requiring extra room for mating.

The São Paulo Zoo has specialized care facilities, including a nursery for cubs and an incubation room for bird and reptile eggs. It promotes education with a public library of over four thousand books and collaborates with organizations for research and conservation.

The São Paulo Zoo is the first Brazilian institution to lead recovery programs for endangered Brazilian species. These include lion tamarins, small neotropical felids, hyacinth macaws, Lear's macaws, European bison, bush dogs, condors, the only snow leopard in Brazil, and spectacled bears. Since 1994, it has been recognized as Brazil's largest zoo by the Guinness Book.

The zoo has the highest environmental management classification ("E") and species preservation recognition from IBAMA. In 2001, it expanded by incorporating the "Simba Safari" area, now known as "Zoo Safari," where visitors can observe animals in natural habitats or drive through areas where animals roam freely.