Did you know that there are more than 14 zoos in São Paulo? The capital of São Paulo and other cities in our state are home to a rich diversity of wildlife. These sanctuaries offer visitors the chance to connect with animals from all over the world.
From majestic lions to graceful macaws, there is something for all animal lovers to explore. So get ready to venture into the fascinating animal world and learn about the importance of environmental conservation.
Zoos to visit in the state of São Paulo
São Paulo Zoo
São Paulo Zoo is the largest in Brazil, with more than 800,000 m² of original Atlantic Forest. For this reason, it has become an important place for the preservation of fauna and flora in the city. It is also home to species from different parts of the world and is considered one of the best in the world when it comes to animal rescue. The enclosures faithfully reproduce the natural habitats of the inhabitants, so visitors have the opportunity to observe up close the behavior of elephants, lions, giraffes and much more.
📍Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241 – Água Funda
Guarulhos Zoo
Very close to the capital is the Guarulhos Zoo, which is home to almost 500 animals of 100 different species. More than 90% of its fauna is native, and the space stands out for its conservation programs for endangered species and environmental education activities. As such, the tour offers not only entertainment, but also a lesson in environmental awareness!
📍 Avenida Doná Glória Pagnonceli, 344 – Jardim Rosa de Franca, Guarulhos/SP
Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo
The Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo offers more than just a walk, but an educational experience. More than 1000 animals from 290 species live here, with a focus on animals from the national fauna, which make up around 70% of the specimens. In other words, this zoo is a great place to learn about Brazilian fauna and the importance of environmental conservation!
📍 Rua Teodoro Kaisel, 883 – Vila Hortência, Sorocaba/SP
Itatiba Zoo
Just 90 km from São Paulo, this wildlife sanctuary features more than 1,200 animals of 180 species in a remnant area of the Atlantic Forest. With spacious areas designed for the animals’ well-being, visitors can observe animals such as giraffes, zebras, tapirs and elephants, and take part in educational activities.
📍 Dom Pedro I Highway, KM 95.5 – Itatiba/SP
Animália Park
Animália Park is in Cotia, just 33 km from São Paulo. Opened in 2023, the park covers an area of almost 350,000 m² and combines fun for the whole family with environmental awareness. Thus, there you’ll find not only an incredible amusement park, but also a large zoo that houses native and exotic species. This is your chance to see giraffes, anteaters, lions, kangaroos and other species up close!
📍 Estrada do Furquim, 1490 – Chácara Santa Maria, Cotia/SP
Americana Ecological Park (Zoo Americana)
This ecological park is 130 km from the capital, about 2 hours away. Tickets are very affordable, costing just R$4, and entitle you to see 100 species of animal, including anteaters, jaguars, parrots and even a very friendly tiger.
📍 Avenida Brasil, 2525 – Jardim Ipiranga, Americana/SP
Rio Preto Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The São José do Rio Preto Zoo and Botanical Garden covers an area of 14 hectares, with Atlantic Forest and Cerrado vegetation. It is home to around 300 animals of 80 different species, including birds, cats and mammals. In addition, it is one of the zoos in São Paulo that also acts as a regional conservation center, working to rescue wild animals that have been victims of trafficking or burning, for example.
📍 Avenida Nelson da Veiga, 1400 – Jardim do Bosque, São José do Rio Preto/SP
Refúgio das Aves
Refúgio das Aves is not really a zoo, but we think it’s worth a mention here. It is located in Parque Três Pescadores, about 155 km from the capital, and is home to around 250 animals that have been victims of animal trafficking. As the name suggests, the vast majority of them are birds, but you can also see iguanas, fish and jabutis. In this way, the space acts as a kind of rehabilitation center until the animals can be returned to the wild, where they will have a new chance to live free again.
📍 Porto Itaguaçu, s/n – São Geraldo, Aparecida/SP
