The official opening of the Tallinn Zoo took place on 25 August 1939. The work of organising the zoo was undertaken by the Animal Protection Union and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Tourism. Discussions about the opening of this institution had been going on for a long time and stopped in 1937, when the team of the Estonian Riflemen's Union brought a live lynx Illa, which, along with a cup, was the prize at the competition in Helsinki. This animal became both the zoo's first pet and its symbol.
Initially, as an experiment, it was decided to build a small collection of animals and gain experience in caring for the pets. This first zoo was established in a temporary area, on the edge of Kadriorg Park. In 1940, the activities of public organisations were banned and the institution was taken over by the city government; the zoo is still a municipal zoo today.
The outbreak of the Second World War did not favour, of course, the development of the zoo. It was not until 1983 that it moved to a new area of about 87 hectares in Veskimetsa. The impetus for the move was the fact that an expressway was to be built on the site of the zoo. The move was quick, and the temporary premises, which were converted military warehouses, had to be put up with. It was planned that the new territory would be developed in 10-15 years. However, after the Moscow Olympics, the construction of cultural and sports facilities was banned for 10 years. Therefore, the construction of the zoo complex began only after Estonia regained its independence. From a certain point of view, this is even good, as today it is possible to use modern technologies and materials in construction.
In addition to the general overview collection, which introduces the species diversity of the animal world, the zoo specialises in certain groups of animals. For example, the zoo in Tallinn has one of the best collections of ibexes and rams in the world, as well as a collection of eagles and vultures, a collection of owls and cranes.
The achievements and endeavours of the staff of the Tallinn Nature Reserve have not gone unnoticed. In 1989, the reserve was the first Soviet zoo to be accepted into the International Association of Zoos (WAZA).To make a visit to the zoo more interesting and informative, you can book a guide who will tell you in detail about the zoo's inhabitants. You can choose a sightseeing or thematic excursion. In summer time you can get on a night excursion, where you can learn and see the peculiarities of animal behaviour at night. By prior arrangement you can rent picnic grounds, of which there are several on the territory of the zoo.
