Pistoia Zoo has been created in 1970 thanks to the initiative of Raffaello Galardini.

The zoological gardens are located in the peaceful hills around Pistoia laying on a 75,000m² area and hosting over 600 animals: 30 species of reptiles, about 65 species of mammals and 40 species of birds.

Despite Pistoia is rather hot in summer, you'll find a polar bear waiting for you together with jaguars, giraffes, elephants, pythons, monkeys and many other species.

There are plans to make the Zoo of Pistoia a leading conservation centre for endangered species and for natural studies.

Reaching the Zoo is easy:

By BUS: from Pistoia take line 29 and you'll get to the Zoo in about 15 minutes.

By TAXI: from Pistoia train station it should take approximately 10 minutes or less. Pistoia taxi phone number is 0573 - 534444 By

CAR: Exit from A11 highway at Pistoia, after the pay-booth go straight on the bridge, enter the city ring and exit at Pistoia Ovest. Follow the signs for 'Giardino Zoologico - Zoo'.

About 10 minutes from the highway. If you have a GPS system but it doesn't have the Zoo among the Points of Interest set your destination to: Via Pieve a Celle 160 51030 Pistoia 

Click here to see a gallery of photos taken at the Zoo of Pistoia