Tbilisi's new zoo ready to welcome visitors – video
The new Tbilisi Zoo will open to visitors in August 2026. Construction began after the 2015 floods, and the zoo is opening in stages. Although work is still under way, visitors will soon be able to explore the new site.
One of Tbilisi Zoo’s best-known residents, Shani the lion cub, has already moved to the new zoo.
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As David Taktakishvili, deputy director of Tbilisi Zoo, explains, the new zoo covers a large area, and the site is being developed in stages. Some animals have already been moved, but construction of the enclosures is still under way. Construction and infrastructure work will therefore continue after the zoo opens.
The zoo administration believes the public should already have the opportunity to see for themselves how a new-generation zoo is taking shape and how much better the animals will live in their new environment.
When the new zoo opens to visitors, the Caucasus biogeographical zone will be accessible to the public. In the future, the zoo will bring together spaces representing different regions of the world. At the first stage, however, the focus will be on the local flora and fauna of the Caucasus. Visitors will see red deer, bison, bears, wolves and other local species in this zone.
Construction of the African zone is currently under way. The new zoo will gradually add other biogeographical zones in the future.
- Georgia’s most famous lion cub prepares for new home. Video
- Tbilisi Zoo releases deer born in captivity into wild for first time in Georgia. Video
- How does the hippo that survived the 2015 Tbilisi flood live now? Video from Tbilisi Zoo
In recent years, the role of zoos has also changed significantly. Today, one of their main functions is nature conservation, including protecting, breeding and caring for endangered species. The new, modern facility will serve this purpose and, in the future, will become not only a place for visitors but also an important wildlife conservation centre.
Admission prices will remain unchanged: free for children under three, 2 lari ($0.76) for children aged three to 12, and 4 lari ($1.53) for visitors aged 12 and over.
Some animals will remain at the old zoo, which will continue to operate as usual.
Tbilisi Zoo‘s history spans nearly a century. It was founded on 10 February 1927 on the basis of the Caucasian Society for the Acclimatisation of Animals, which had been keeping wild animals since the early 20th century, though without official zoo status.
The zoo was originally built on 70 hectares in the Vere River gorge. Over the years, the expansion of the capital — and later the devastating flood of 13 June 2015 — significantly reduced the territory of the old zoo. Today, it covers five hectares and is home to around 1,500 animals, each with its own story.
In this video series, we will introduce you to the residents of Tbilisi Zoo. We will show how their day unfolds, how they interact with other animals and people, and how their behaviour changes depending on the weather and the season. Get ready to hear many fascinating stories.
New Tbilisi Zoo
