Restaurants, museums, exhibitions e getaways at Porto Secreto we like to cover a wide range of subjects so that you never miss a beat. That’s why we also want to focus our attention on the various zoological gardens and parks that exist near our city. In these places, you’ll learn more about wildlife.
Dedicated to marine or exotic species, you’ll be able to absorb a little of the world’s fauna and flora, but also gain a better understanding of our surroundings. So, if you’re looking for an activity to do with the children or with the family, then take a look at this article.
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Saint Ignatius Zoo
This is one of the best zoos near Porto, but also the largest in the north of Portugal. Located in Avintes, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, o Saint Ignatius Zoo offers a broad view of the animal world.
Lions, kangaroos, giraffes, lemurs, snakes, meerkats, deer and much more make up the zoo’s 200 species. With an area of 15 hectares, the aim is to simulate the natural habitat so that the animals feel at home.
Zoo Santo Inácio also promotes various initiatives education, such as summer camps for children, or the reproduction of endangered species. You can also sponsor one of the zoo’s animals.
📍Rua 5 de Outubro 4503, Avintes
👉More information: zoo Santo Inácio official website
Lourosa Zoo
If instead of generic zoos, what you’re looking for is a more ‘specialized’ space. For example, dedicated solely and exclusively to birds. Then you really must visit Lourosa Zoo, as it is the only Ornithological Park in the country.
Located about 20 minutes from Porto, in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira the Lourosa Zoo is home to more than 500 birds of 150 different species. The perfect place for kids and adults to learn more about charming winged animals.
📍Ruado Parque, 4535-071 Lourosa
👉More information: site Zoo Lourosa – Ornithological Park
SEA LIFE Porto
This is the only space that is actually inside the city of Porto. Although it is not a zoo, SEA LIFE Porto deserves a mention, as it is in direct contact with wild animals.
As its name suggests, and for those who don’t know, SEA LIFE Porto is an aquarium. In fact, it is the second largest in Portugal, second only to the Lisbon Oceanarium. Here, you can find hundreds of species, such as sharks, penguins, rays, jellyfish, seahorses, turtles and more.
According to the official SEA Life Porto website:
Many of their species are at risk of extinction, have been rescued and cannot return to the wild, or were born and developed through one of the conservation projects.”
Located near the iconic Cheese Castle and City Park you can also take the opportunity to visit its new attraction. In other words Egg Village. A dynamic way to immerse yourself in the world of aquatic species (and more).
📍1stPrivate Street, Via do Castelo do Queijo, Porto
👉More information: sEA LIFE Porto website
Gaia Biological Park
Located in Avintes, just a few minutes’ drive from Porto, the Gaia Biological Park is the ideal place for those who love nature, exploring gardens (and more).
Covering 35 hectares, there are granaries and threshing floors, different types of woodland, farms with rural houses, mills and, of course, animals. In all, more than 2100 species have been identified.
📍Rua Cunha, 4430-812 Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia
👉More info: Gaia Parks
Maia Zoo
Located about 15 minutes by car from Porto, the Maia Zoo is one of the reasons to visit this municipality of Maia Metropolitan Area. In a plan for kids and adults, here you can get to know more than 300 species.
Panthers, monkeys, zebras, camels, bears, tigers, lions, lemurs and birds are some of the animals to be found in this zoo. In addition, Maia Zoo offers some educational experiences.
📍RuaEstação, Maia
👉More information: maia Zoo website