Located just outside of Downtown Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta is the home of diverse animal species that you and your guests can see up close firsthand during your time in Atlanta. To learn more about this Atlanta Zoo and what makes it such an incredible attraction to visit during your Atlanta vacation, read on below!
Zoo Atlanta first began as an abandoned Victorian Era animal menagerie during March of 1889, when a traveling show headed to Marietta, Georgia became stranded in Atlanta when its owner filed for bankruptcy. As the animals were abandoned by the circus employees, the City of Atlanta housed the animals in scenic Grant Park.
At first, the collection that would become Zoo Atlanta consisted of lionesses, pumas, camels, snakes, a black bear, a jaguar, a hyena, a raccoon, a gazelle, an elk, and a Mexican hog. The next year, the Atlanta zoo gained its first elephant. 40 years later, the zoo doubled in size as a result of a generous donation from philanthropist Asa G. Chandler, who gave his own private animal collection to the zoo. Now, the zoo is one of the foremost leaders in conservation, the home of rare animals such as baby pandas, baby black rhinos, baby gorillas, baby Sumatran tiger cubs, baby giraffes, and more.
Visit the Zoo Atlanta website for the latest ticket prices.
