Fariza from Almaty

Greetings from the marvellous city of Almaty! We who live here have a deep-rooted affection for it, and often call it Almatushka—a name we use with the sort of warmth one reserves for a dear old friend. I suppose you could describe me as a devoted explorer of my own city. My greatest joy is to be out on a long walk, simply seeing where the day takes me. I have a tremendous soft spot f...
Oct 2, 2025

Almaty Zoo Almaty

Amateur naturalist's paradise

"Find the oldest tree in the old Almaty Zoo! Besides operating as a successful research center, the Zoo holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of locals."

A city is a grand catalogue of human endeavours, but some places, like the old Almaty Zoo, serve as a kind of charming, sprawling embassy for the animal kingdom. As one of the oldest zoos in the country, and home to one of the city's oldest trees, it holds a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of Almaty residents; a living library of creatures that has been explored by generations of children and curious adults alike.

What is truly heartening are the immense efforts underway to improve the lives of its inhabitants. For more than a decade now, the enclosures have been undergoing constant renovation, often thanks to the generous support of local patrons. But this is more than just a place of exhibition; it is a serious centre for research. They have had remarkable success, from pioneering an IVF program for the endangered argali sheep to breeding Przewalski's horses for their eventual reintroduction to the wild.

For the visitor, it remains a place of endless fascination. Through their social media, one can learn about the specific needs of each creature, and for the truly keen, there is even a school for young naturalists. It is a noisy, sprawling, and ever-evolving collection of our planet's other inhabitants and a place of real hope for their future.

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Art & culture

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*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Yesenberlin str., 166

Adult ticket:

KZT

800

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Nostalgia curated with love

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