Let’s answer the question of what to see and what to visit in Kaunas. Well, the Lithuanian Zoological Garden is an excellent option! It is the attraction of Kaunas most beloved by children! Since the 14th century, castles of the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania and manors of noblemen have had menageries. Local animals, as well as exotic creatures, were kept in those.
Lithuanian Zoological Garden (further—Garden) was established in 1938 with an initiative of Tadas Ivanauskas. Due to limited finances, on the opening day, there were only 40 exhibits. After only a year, the number had increased to 140!
The major renovation took place in 2021-2023, costing 24 mln. euros.
The Garden has the biggest collection of animals in the country: 3000 animals, 149 different species, 50 of which are protected.
Almost 100 people work in the Garden, which occupies 16 hectares of space.
After the renovation of about 80 % of the zoo, the living conditions of animals have been improved significantly: seven new buildings were built, old buildings were renovated, animal enclosures were updated, new spaces for visitors and employees were set up, the trails were fixed, and playgrounds were built as well as an observation tower with an elevator.
The exotarium — a building for heat-loving animals with an educational centre — became the central object, covering an area of almost 4 thousand sq. m. It has open deserts, expositions of jungle animals, expositions of meerkats and lions, displays of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, aqua terrariums of world habitats, laboratories, personnel, and other rooms.
Bookings of educational activities, tours, and summer camps are here: čia: https://www.zoosodas.lt/
If you still have a hunger for knowledge, book a tour – https://www.toursinlithuania.com/tours/.
Gallery
