:: Buenos Aires Weekly ::

It was created more than one hundred years ago. It is an ideal place to spend the whole day and enjoy the great variety of animal species as well as the architectonical art works which reproduce the worldwide classics. The entrance portico is a reproduction of the ‘Triumph Arch of Tito’ in Rome; the Elephants Palace, a replica of the Goddess Nimaschi Chapel in Mumbai; a few steps onwards, you can see the Vesta Chapel, which is a circular building that includes 16 Corinthian columns, a copy of the original chapel located in Rome. The Zoo also offers a wide variety of art works, like the ‘Girl with Flowers’, a replica of the original work made by the Italian Canova, and the ‘Fallen Monkey’, made by Passani. Additionally, a female shape sculptured by the Argentinean Lola Mora can be seen.

Among the expected zoo community are a few surprises: a rare albino tiger; indigenous monkeys, known to perform lewd acts for their audiences; and llamas (watch out — they spit). Some smaller animals roam freely, and there are play areas for children, a petting farm, and a seal show. Mateos (traditional, decorated horse-drawn carriages) stand poised at the entrance to whisk you around the greens. The Zoological Garden of Buenos Aires is located in front of Italy Plaza, a very accessible location in the city, near the forests of Palermo and the Botanical Garden. The peculiar constructions in their interior date from the beginning of the XIX century. Declared “Historical Monuments” by their beauty, they were designed with a concept of architectonic correspondence between the animals that were exhibited and the buildings of their country of origin. The Zoo of Buenos Aires counts 89 species of mammals, 49 species of reptiles and 175 species of birds.

Intersection of Las Heras and Sarmiento avenues