Tbilisi Zoo – our honest Guide to this "Sensation"
Along the Vera River and the Chabua Amirejibi Highway, this gulag, which was built especially for animals of all kinds, stretches over 105 hectares of wasteland. This is the right place for anyone who is not yet suffering from severe depression. Children can also learn about life and death in Siberian labour camps while eating candy floss. People who like to suffer should keep an eye on the following information:
Visitor information Tbilisi Zoo
- Opening hours: Open daily from 10 AM-8 PM
- Entrance fees: 4 gel adults, 2 gel children
- Accessibility: Walk via motorway, public transport or taxi
- Address: 64 Kostava Street, Tbilisi
- Website: https://www.zoo.ge/
For the reptile, spider and fish house there is another 2 GEL for adults and another 1 GEL for children. You can also see animals such as meerkats, which had previously suffered a severe heatstroke and were given makeshift accommodation. If you really want to see how a toad eats baby mice, the amphibian house in Tbilisi is sure to warm your heart.
Before we turn our attention to the many caged creatures at Tbilisi Zoo, here’s a quick fact check:
- Foundation – Founded in 1927 by decision of the city council.
- Development – Expanded in the 1930s, with a parasitological laboratory and zoological museum.
- Difficulties – In the 1990s, the zoo suffered from the country’s economic difficulties, which led to poor animal husbandry.
- Flood 2015 – Severe flooding destroyed parts of the zoo and many animals lost their lives or escaped.
- Reconstruction – The zoo has been partially rebuilt, but there is still justified criticism of the conditions for the animals.
A dream paradise for animals? More like an animal nightmare...
An exclusive selection of apathetic predators that live out their lives in cramped cages awaits you at Tbilisi Zoo. Marvel at the majestic lions that walk bored in circles or the elegant tigers that long for a real jungle. Anyone who hates life will be in for a real treat here.
For bird lovers, there are plenty of feathered friends flapping their wings in tiny aviaries. Watch the eagles dreaming of freedom as they bury their talons in plastic toys. And don’t forget the primates! These intelligent creatures will certainly make you think with their sad eyes and repetitive behaviour. Perhaps you can give them a few tips on how to cope with stress.
- Our insider tip: there is a rhinoceros hidden in the stable with the donkeys. Visit it at 30 degrees plus to see how badly it is suffering. Ideal for sadists aged 12 to 99.
Visit Tbilisi Zoo and experience the sad reality of animal husbandry up close. An unforgettable, sadistic experience for the whole family!
Dead or alive? A game for the whole family
The game dead or alive is a particularly fun game for the whole family. The whole family gives a tip on a neglected animal in the enclosure as to whether the fly-infested animal is still alive or has already died. Everyone who guesses correctly is allowed to leave the zoo without having to taste the candy floss with the rare colour. Yesterday, on 25 July 2024, we were indeed able to admire 3 deceased animals (including 1 dead rabbit, 1 meerkat and 1 dead guinea pig).
Live action at Tbilisi Zoo
Let’s move on to the positive aspects of this animal asylum. It is worth mentioning that this zoo is almost the only one in the world that allows animals to visit the city in which they live. This is made possible, among other things, by savings in security and enclosures that are easy to open. In June 2015, Tbilisi was hit by a devastating flood disaster, which also severely affected the city’s zoo. The masses of water destroyed enclosures and fences, causing numerous animals to escape, including predators such as lions, tigers and bears. The petting zoo was open to the public free of charge and offered the best entertainment for young and old for the residents of the Saburtalo neighbourhood.
The chaotic situation led to exciting scenes. Joy and fear in the streets, people and vegans fleeing from the escaped animals. It felt like being in a 3D shooter, only without the PC: security forces were unfortunately forced to shoot some of the animals to ensure public safety. Many animals drowned in the flood or died as a result of stress and injuries.
Jokes aside, this zoo disaster was a tragedy for the city and its residents who had to mourn the loss of lives and animals. It also raised questions about safety and animal welfare in zoos and led to discussions about the need to reconsider such facilities in vulnerable areas.
Not only can Animals be tortured here, Children are welcome!
Although the film of the same name, “Cemetery of Cuddly Animals”, was licensed for ages 18 and up, you can even take your own brood here. Babies that cry too much at night can simply be left in the tiger enclosure. Otherwise, you can leave your hated offspring at the mercy of many other attractions that would never pass a safety test in the EU. Rumour has it that some of the carousels were even built by Stalin himself.
Of course, you can also pick up some great souvenirs to remember your favourite moments in this animal paradise. You can either pack one of the recently deceased animal carcasses or even spend real money on one of the many toys that have been lovelessly dumped on the street. There are replica firearms for children aged 2 and over and many other great gifts to discover.
Particularly noteworthy is the loan from the zoo in Beijing, which has provided real Chinese reindeer from a labour camp. The reindeer are allowed to take several years off from the “factory” and are available to young and old for adventurous rides. The ride is available for a few lari and must not be taken by parents or children under the influence of alcohol.
Nom! Nom! Nom! Culinary delights 🐔
After a wonderful day with all the animal suffering, carcasses and severely depressed animals, you should treat yourself to a breather and stop off at one of the catering establishments. (Provided you haven’t died from an overdose of candy floss or food poisoning). As my charming companion was enjoying the day so much, had lost the meaning of life and was suffering from severe panic attacks from then on, I had to manage the candlelight dinner at Tbilisi Zoo single-handedly. In addition to fossilised khachapuri, I opted for the hotdog with chicken breast and a healthy Pepsi from a plastic bottle. The “hotdog” (presumably made from animals that died in the zoo) was warmed up using state-of-the-art microwave technology from the Soviet Union and served on a fancy tray from a former penal institution.
Positive aspects of Tbilisi Zoo
Of course, not everything at Tbilisi Zoo is depressing and contemptuous of humans and animals. The only clear highlight are these cheerful warning signs, which make for a great stay in the animal gulag.
A glimmer of hope on the horizon: the end of the nightmare?
There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. A ray of hope that could perhaps even illuminate the darkest corners of this animal gulag. In fact, there are plans to move Tbilisi Zoo to a new, larger site outside the city. A place where the animals no longer have to vegetate like prisoners in cramped cells, but can finally be kept in a species-appropriate environment. A place where they can recover from the traumas of their past and perhaps even find some joy in life again.
Of course, this is still a long way off. The plans for the new zoo are not yet set in stone and there are many hurdles to overcome before they can become reality. But hope dies last, and maybe, just maybe, Tbilisi Zoo will one day be a place where animals no longer have to suffer but can lead a dignified life.
Until then, Tbilisi Zoo remains a memorial to the dark side of animal husbandry and an urgent appeal for more respect and compassion towards our animal neighbours. A place that reminds us that animals are not objects of amusement, but sentient beings with their own needs and rights.
FAQs about Tbilisi Zoo
Tbilisi Zoo is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
The entrance fee for adults is 4 GEL, for children 2 GEL. There is an additional charge for the reptile, spider and fish house (2 GEL for adults, 1 GEL for children).
The zoo can be reached on foot, by public transport or by taxi. It is located at Kostava Street64 in Tbilisi.
There are a variety of animals at Tbilisi Zoo, including lions, tigers, bears, birds, primates and reptiles. There is also an amphibian house and a special house for reptiles, spiders and fish.
Yes, the zoo offers various attractions for children, including carousels and a petting zoo. There is also the opportunity to ride out on Chinese reindeer.
