Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Zoo

The Gaziantep Zoo, established on a 1,000-dönüm site within the Burç Forest by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, is recognized as the largest in Türkiye, the second largest in Europe, and one of the first four zoos in the world. Following Fatma Şahin’s assumption of the mayoral office in 2014, the zoo has continued to expand through numerous innovative projects.

The zoo provides a home to 7,100 animals across 325 species and welcomes millions of visitors annually. As of 2019, visitor numbers reached 4.5 million. This area, appealing to all age groups with a special focus on children, also plays a significant role as a center for nature conservation and education.

This center, unique in Türkiye, has a seating capacity of 800 and hosts one seal show per weekday and two on weekends.

Opened on 23 April 2015, the Safari Park spans 200 dönüm of land and is home to 257 mammals of 25 different species and 500 birds of 50 different species, all living freely in natural habitats. Visitors explore the park in special vehicles to observe the animals up close.

Covering an area of 700 m², this museum displays 120 animals of 50 species and 427 birds of 128 species that have completed their natural lifespans and been preserved. It also exhibits 80 reptiles and 78 marine organisms. Additionally, the museum houses skeletal remains of prehistoric megafauna. Visitors receive educational briefings in a 50-seat hall before being guided through the exhibits.

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This center, home to approximately 20,000 butterflies from 120 species originating in Indonesia and the Philippines, also hosts various reptile species. It offers a visual celebration of tropical nature.

Built on a 5-dönüm plot, this area includes summer and winter shelters, birthing and care rooms, natural ponds, and grassy fields designed to encourage chimpanzees to exhibit natural behaviors.

Bird Aviary: The 400 m² aviary, reaching 30 meters in height, houses 950 birds of 90 species and is designed for year-round use.

Aquarium: The 1,200 m² aquarium, with a capacity of 450 tons of water, contains 3,250 fish of 82 species.

Primate House: This section, divided into summer and winter areas, shelters 35 primates of 8 species.

Predator Area: Summer enclosures and heated winter shelters are provided for predators such as lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, bears, and wolves.

Even-Toed Ungulates: These animals live in secure, 20–30 dönüm fenced areas tailored to their specific needs.

Reptile House: Special winter shelters with underfloor heating are provided for snakes and crocodiles.

Giraffes, camels, zebras, kangaroos and similar species are housed in open natural environments during summer and enclosed ones during winter.

Train tours are organized within the zoo, enabling visitors to comfortably explore the entire area. Additionally, play areas, rest parks, cafeterias, and social spaces serve visitors, especially children.

The Gaziantep Zoo is one of Türkiye’s leading zoos, distinguished by its rich diversity of animal species, modern facilities, and expansive natural habitats. Beyond being a recreational and sightseeing destination, it fulfills a vital mission of education, conservation, and awareness. With its infrastructure, visitor services, and thematic zones catering to all age groups, it holds an important place among Gaziantep’s cultural and tourist attractions. It continues its operations as an institution recognized nationally and internationally for its animal welfare standards and innovative practices.