Paramaribo Zoo

Ever wonder what a zoo looks like in the heart of the Amazon rainforest? Here at the Paramaribo Zoo, nestled next to the Cultuurtuin in Rainville, you’ll find out. The Paramaribo Zoo is Suriname’s only zoo. It was the brainchild of Prime Minister Jopie Pengel, a man with a personal menagerie so extensive it included lions. He decided in 1966 that such a collection was best shared. The Paramaribo Zoo opened its doors in May 1972. The Paramaribo Zoo houses approximately 197 animals. What makes this zoo unique is that about 75% of its residents are native to Suriname. They are rescued wildlife or former pets, given a second chance at a good life. All the animals at the Paramaribo Zoo are native to Suriname. The only exceptions are the tigers. Sadly, the zoo faced difficult times in the 1980s. During the military dictatorship, a significant portion of the animal collection was lost. But the spirit of the Paramaribo Zoo persevered. With the help of Diergaarde Blijdorp in Rotterdam, starting in 2003, and a joint fundraising effort with Amsterdam’s Natura Artis Magistra in 2004, the zoo underwent renovations. It was proudly reopened by President Venetiaan in May 2006. The renovated Paramaribo Zoo features two new monkey islands. These islands have proven to be a successful breeding ground for spider monkeys, with six births since their construction. As of 2020, the zoo is embarking on a new chapter, transforming into a flora and fauna center. This center focuses on educating visitors about environmental awareness. It also added a children’s water park in April 2020. The Paramaribo Zoo boasts a captivating collection. You can observe various monkey species swinging through the trees, caymans basking in the sun, a jaguar prowling its enclosure, and snakes slithering through the undergrowth. Vultures soar overhead. A tiger paces its enclosure. Scarlet ibisses add a splash of vibrant color. The Paramaribo Zoo is more than just a collection of animals. It is a testament to conservation, a symbol of resilience, and a unique window into the biodiversity of Suriname.