Sibiu Zoo (Grădina Zoologică Sibiu) is a zoological garden in the Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park on the southern edge of Sibiu, close to the ASTRA Museum.
History
Sibiu Zoo was founded in 1929, making it the first zoological garden in Romania. The idea came from Szekely, an engineer with the Sibiu Electricity Works, after he encountered wild foxes while carrying out repair work at the Sadu dam. The first animals were acquired largely through donations and included wolves, a wildcat, an eagle, a Carpathian deer and wild boar, with the first bear added in 1930.
The zoo developed gradually over the following decades, while a broader modernization program from 2006 onward brought new and rebuilt enclosures along with improvements to the visitor facilities.
What to See
The zoo has a broad collection of mammals, birds and reptiles, with the larger carnivores among the most memorable animals for many visitors. Lions, tigers, jaguars, bears and wolves occupy one part of the grounds, while zebras, camels, llamas, deer, buffalo and other hoofed animals are spread through the more open paddocks.
Monkeys and birds appear along the route as well, while a smaller indoor section contains snakes, turtles and parrots. Water birds have their own lake and island, adding a quieter area between the main animal enclosures.
The larger recreational lake is part of the visit too, with seasonal boats and pedal boats, a terrace nearby and a children’s playground elsewhere in the zoo. Several raised wooden viewing platforms provide higher viewpoints over some of the animal areas.
Visiting
Parking is available beside Calea Dumbrăvii, opposite the Hilton. From there, a pedestrian path through Dumbrava Forest leads roughly 200 meters to the zoo entrance. Bus 13 also serves the zoo from central Sibiu and the railway station.
Food and drinks are available inside the zoo, including a terrace near the recreational lake and boat-rental area. Visitors looking for a larger meal can also use the restaurants around the parking area outside the entrance, before or after their visit.
