In Pistoia, immersed in the green of the hills and a few kilometres from the centre of the city, there is one of the most interesting zoological gardens in Italy, both for its position and for the number of species that are gathered in the 75 thousand square meters over which the park extends.
A day to discover and rediscover the animal species populating the five continents: over 600 animals, among which 65 species of mammals, 40 of birds and 30 reptiles. Inside, in wide fences and cages, there are animals such as Rothschild's giraffe and the very rare Madagascar Lemur Catta, a prosimian that lives in narrow forest areas of Madagascar.
Flamingos and storks, fallow deer and lamas, camels, tigers and jaguars, elephants and hippos, but also the potent and fascinating white bear are just some of the few guests of the Pistoia Zoo.
A visit to become acquainted with and see not just the habits of the animals that live in exotic habitats, but also to rediscover the species that are closer to us. In fact the area for domestic pets «Children's zoo» has recently been enlarged, where there are docile animals such as dwarf goats, rabbits and hens which the children can approach and touch, obviously with the due respect.
Still in this area a special glass incubator was set up in order to observe chicks coming out of their eggs which, depending on the period, can be little ones of the domestic rooster, African ostrich, emu or Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Also for the boldest and bravest, near the fencing reserved to the giraffes and the elephants, there is a reptile house. In special displays there are rare species such as the reticulated python, and also crocodiles and more common reptiles.
(Photo by Roberto Contini)
City of Pistoia Zoological Garden
Where: via Pieve a Celle 160 - Pistoia
When: open every day from 9 am to 7 pm from April to September; from October to March from 7 am to 5 pm
Tickets: 8,30 euro, conc. 6,20.
Information: 0573-911219
May.2002
City of Pistoia Zoological Garden
E-mail: City of Pistoia Zoological Garden
Province of Pistoia (In Italian)
