I’ve been researching the locations of different zoos around the world and I have visited many zoos, almost every time I flew abroad.
I must say that Italy is an excellent place for witnessing animal life, particularly the aquariums near the sea.
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Zoos & Aquariums in Italy
1. Bioparco di Roma Zoo
The Bioparco di Roma Zoo (Zoological Garden of Rome) founded in 1911 is located in Villa Borghese Park, Rome.
This 17-hectare (42-acre) zoo has a collection of about 1,200 animals representing about 150 species.
Creatures you may see here include the Red-tailed Snake, the African Dwarf Crocodile, and the Collared Seeker (a type of monkey).
You also might see the Goat of Monte Cristo, a camel, kangaroo, or panther chameleon while here.
Bioparco di Roma Zoo also features Ararauna birds.
It’s a colorful creature, some of which may have a bright blue back, bright yellow front, and some green overtones on the head.
It’s one that comes from South American rainforests.
Other birds you might see at this zoo include the Ara fronterossa (Red-Fronted Macaw) and the Caracara.
The Red-Fronted Macaw usually has bright colors, such as a bright red tip and accents over a green background shade.
Caracara birds are darker.
There are so many more animals to name, as this zoo does have quite a variety.
It even has some of the creatures you would expect when visiting a zoo, such as lions, emus, giraffes or hippos.
2. Aquarium of Genoa (Acquario di Genova)
More than a million visitors come to this Genova Aquarium, which has more than 12,000 animals in it.
About 600 animal species are represented overall, and it does have at least 200 plant species.
Founded in 1992, this aquarium in Genova GE is one of the largest in Europe and has 33,000 square feet of tanks.
It offers the chance to view sharks, jellyfish, clownfish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Other animals you may see at this Italian aquarium include sawfish, penguins, and seals.
You can also immerse yourself in schools of tropical fish.
If I had to choose what aquarium I would want to see around the world, this one would be it.
I don’t know if I’d ever do it.
However, it does seem like one of the best on this earth to view for people who love marine life.
3. Zoom Torino
Zoom Torino first came to be in 2007.
This northern Italy zoo provides one of the most immersive experiences of Asian and African animals you can find in the country.
This zoo covers more than 44.47 acres (about 17.9 hectares).
It has two aquatic nine different habitats in all.
Some animals you see here include giraffes, zebras, and tigers or schools of fish.
One of the summer exhibits allows you to swim with penguins. I’d like to try that.
Otherwise, I’d maybe want to see some hippos.
Zoom Torino seems like an excellent place for not only enjoying animals but also plant life.
It’s in a location that provides an adequate view of the Italian countryside and blue horizon.
4. The Tropicarium Park
The Tropicarium Park, located in Jesolo near Venice, Italy, was founded in the early 2000s.
This unique park hosts thousands of animals spread out across 2500 square meters of land.
This zoo hosts interactive activities and educational programs all under one roof.
For instance, you can view stonefish, the Green Morey, and sharks or piranhas in their natural environment.
You can view more than 160 animal species in all, including tropical fish, coral reefs, and crocodiles.
It also hosts sharks, insects, and reptiles.
It’s not necessarily an exact copy of nature.
However, it does provide fun for the entire family.
They do allow you to bring your own bagged lunch if you want to.
5. Zoosafari
As of January 2023, I see that the Zoosafari website says that you can visit with no reservation.
That makes it easy for you to plan your trip to Fasano BR, Italy.
The Zoofari offers you the chance to see at least 200 species of animals.
Some of them live on land and others live in water.
What’s unique is the natural environment laid out for each creature.
For instance, sometimes a tiger might rest near an olive tree, or you might stand close enough to hear a roaring lion, according to the zoo’s website.
Other animals you may see here include the buffalo, rhinoceros, or bears.
In addition, you could view one or more giraffes, zebras, flamingos, or camels.
This zoo boasts quite a bit of greenery.
If you’re into green space, you might enjoy the “Primates” area.
Here, you might see a gorilla, some chimpanzees, large birds, wild dogs, and alpacas.
This zoo also has a waterfall area and a habitat for polar bears and brown bears.
Seals, gibbons, and hippos also live here.
There’s also a section that has reptiles, such as chameleons, alligators, tropical fish, geckos, lizards, and more.
I haven’t seen pictures of the Zoofari or been there.
However, I read descriptions of it that make me think it does offer one of the most natural animal environments a zoo can provide.
Just when I thought I was done learning more about this Fasano BR zoo, however, I found out there’s even more.
I hadn’t even told you about the aquarium that has sea lions in it and the “Tortoise Center.”
There’s so much to see that I think you could spend days here.
6. Zoo of Pistoia
I have just now learned about the Zoo of Pistoia.
This Italian zoon seems to do an excellent job of laying out its exhibits to create an experience.
Guests do more than just view animals here.
You could walk along and see a lion lying on the ground in a jungle area.
Otherwise, you can sit next to an aquarium to view the underwater world while outside.
You also might see a lion or other large mammals crossing a small body of water.
You can also meet the penguins up close.
Another unique feature is the 3D Jurassic exhibit they have here too.
I would say that it’s one of the best zoos for taking a group of schoolchildren.
They can get their hands dirty while digging for “evidence” of previous animal existence, for instance.
7. Zoo Delle Maitine
Zoo Delle Maitine in Pesco Sannita BN, Italy participates in the Species360 program.
The 360 program is an outreach that extends to 1,300 entities, such as universities, zoos, research centers, and government agencies.
At the Pesco Sannita BN location, you’ll find exhibits divided into different areas of the world.
Some major regions represented include Africa, Eurasia, America, and Australia.
African animals include the lemur, giraffe, hippo, and black panther.
Eurasian animals include the camel, gibbon (similar features as monkeys), carp, and otter.
American (presumably south American) animals you might see here include the yellow anaconda, bright-colored tropical birds, and the tamarin.
Some Australian animals include the red-necked wallaby, black swan, and bearded dragon.
This zoo offers space for zoo parties, summer camps, and other events.
They have quite an extensive program for school groups and families who love to learn about animals and nature.
I noticed that some of the exhibits appeared to be human-made.
However, the habitats seem to sustain the animals and provide some roaming room.
8. Safari Park
The Safari Park in Pombia, Novara, Italy provides an animal adventure that extends to 450,000 square meters.
That equals about 11 acres, and it provides plenty of space for 400 animals (about 110 species) of creatures to roam.
This Safari Park in Italy does its park to preserve at least a few near-extinct species.
At the same time, they offer immersive experiences and education that raise public awareness.
Here, you will find the King Cobra and the Sea Lion.
There are also parrots here, which you don’t find at many zoos.
You also may see some lemurs, which you can also walk amongst.
You may also want to catch a close look at sea lions and small reptiles.
I think it’s nice that the Safari Park also has motorhomes and tent campsites.
That makes it easy for you to enjoy several days here if you want to.
9. Zoo of the Stars
One more Italian zoo you might want to see is the Zoo of the Stars (Star Zoo).
I am not sure of the exact date of this center’s opening.
I just know it has existed since at least the 1990s.
The Star Zoo in Fossignano LT, Italy houses large python snakes and turtles (or tortoises), horses, lions, or apelike creatures.
I notice they may also have a lizard onsite when you arrive.
I saw some pictures of some of the animals on Google Maps.
One of the most impressive is one that looks like a large ram or bull.
It reminds me of the ones you’d see in a rodeo.
The outdoor exhibits do have fences around them but are large enough for each animal to roam.
I’m not sure how large this zoo is, but it does have quite a variety of animals for its land size.
10. Aquarium of Salento
This aquarium in Maria al Bagno in Nardo LE, Italy has won at least one “Traveler’s Choice” award.
It must be good to see then. I never went to it, but I do like the cover photo on their website of the big-eyed fish looking right at you and the starfish to the right side.
The Salento Aquarium is called a “living museum.”
It has all kinds of Mediterranean Sea animals in it, including crustaceans, mollusks, snappers, and sea cucumbers.
Three major exhibits represent the different levels of aquatic life and their habitats.
For instance, the submerged cave makes you feel like you’re immersed underwater and watching goldfish.
The dimly lit area shows you a bit of what the sea plant life looks like too.
Another area depicts both sandy and rocky sea bottoms.
This includes life that would normally live up to 20 meters below the water’s surface.
A third area showcases animals who would submerge themselves 25 meters below the sea.
There’s also a fourth area called the “deep sea,” which tells stories of famous shipwrecks.
It particularly focuses on World War II.
Other animals that live under the sea exhibited at the Salento include the following: triggerfish, cuttlefish, urchins, and menolae.
10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Italy – Summary Table
| Zoos & Aquariums | Address |
|---|---|
| Bioparco di Roma Zoo | V.le del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy |
| Aquarium of Genoa | Ponte Spinola, 16128 Genova GE, Italy |
| Zoom Torino | Str. Piscina, 36, 10040 Cumiana TO, Italy |
| The Tropicarium Park | Via Aquileia, 123, 30016 Lido di Jesolo, Jesolo VE, Italy |
| Zoosafari | Via dello Zoosafari, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy |
| Zoo of Pistoia | Via Pieve a Celle, 160/A, 51100 Pistoia PT, Italy |
| Zoo Delle Maitine | Via Fontana dell'Occhio, 1, 82020 Pesco Sannita BN, Italy |
| Safari Park | Via Larino, 3, 28050 Pombia NO, Italy |
| Zoo of the Stars | Via Lambro, 20, 04011 Fossignano LT, Italy |
| Aquarium of Salento | Via Cesare Augusto, 7 S. Maria al Bagno, 73050 Nardò LE, Italy |
Italy Safety Overview
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Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Italy a good place to go see zoos?
I never thought about going to Italy to see zoos.
However, they do seem to have an excellent selection of animal exhibits at them.
I think the aquariums near the Mediterranean sea may be the best, however.
Are the Italian aquariums freshwater or saltwater?
Most of the creatures you find at Italian aquariums usually live in saltwater.
However, some exhibits do display freshwater animals.
Do zoos in Italy hosts weddings?
Some of them do offer to host weddings and other special events.
You may want to check the websites of the zoos you want to visit or contact them directly to learn more.
How many zoos does Italy have?
I found at least 10 major ones, some of them for land animals and others for aquatic animals.
I think Italy especially “crushes it” by offering a variety of salt-water aquarium viewings.
