Established in 1864, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens as Vietnam‘s largest and oldest zoo, covering over 20 hectares in central Ho Chi Minh City. It was founded during the French colonial period and combines animals with historical architecture and mature botanical gardens.
The exhibits are organized into distinct zones, including the big cat complex, primate area, reptile house, and aviary. Like many zoos it can create mixed emotions. Many of the birds for instance roam freely, the big cats however seem to just pace and are a bit sad looking.
There is historical museum building, a lovely example of French colonial architecture with high ceilings, wraparound verandas, and ornate windows. It houses a collection of taxidermied specimens and historical photographs documenting the zoo’s evolution.
There’s a children’s facilities include a playground area, petting zoo, and an educational center. The education building features interactive exhibits about wildlife conservation and environmental protection, with programs specifically designed for school groups.
The zoo continues to evolve with recent additions including: reptile house renovation — 2018, and the butterfly garden, opened in 2019,.
The Saigon Zoo is an exercise of extremes. The grounds in places are part of a mature botanical garden with generational trees and well-tended flower beds. There is a large area for families and kids include a ferris wheel and other rides. But some of the animals, like almost all zoos, appear defeated and sad. And some of the enclosures and housing are poorly maintained.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily
