Adelaide Zoo, founded in 1883, is one of Australia's oldest zoos. Today, on an area of 8 hectares you can see almost 300 species of native and exotic animals (more than 1800 animals in total), including rare ones, such as the Sumatran tiger. The animals are united according to the principle of similarity of their habitat and are kept in conditions close to natural conditions. Moreover, the zoo management tries to do without bars as much as possible - instead of them glass or natural fences are used. Thus, the baboons live on a plateau surrounded by artificial rocks with large windows for spectators. The tigers have a personal pool with a waterfall, their own piece of jungle and a cliff for an afternoon rest. Besides, social groups natural for animals are maintained here: pair animals live in twos, ungulates - in small herds, primates - in families, lions - in prides.There are many birds of all kinds here, but of particular interest is the flamingo exhibit, opened in 1885. Originally there were 10 birds, but most of them died during the drought of 1915. Today you can see two flamingos in the exhibit that are over 70 years old! But perhaps the public favourites are the two giant pandas, Wang Wang and Funi, which were given to the zoo by the Chinese government for 9 years in 2009. And the zoo's Botanical Garden is home to a large-leaved ficus planted back in 1877!
.Architectural connoisseurs will certainly not overlook the zoo's buildings, some of which are listed in Australia's National Heritage List, such as the former Elephat House. And one more interesting detail - the zoo operates on a non-profit basis.
