Bursa Zoo is an EAZA member institution in Soğanlı that has been operating since 1998, housing over 1,000 animals across 206,600 square meters. Admission is 70 TL for adults and 30 TL for students, with a 50% discount on Wednesdays.
Operated by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Bursa Zoo opened its doors to visitors on November 10, 1998. Located in the Soğanlı Neighborhood along the İzmir-İstanbul highway, the park spans approximately 206,600 square meters, making it one of the largest and best-designed zoos in Turkey. Its accreditation by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) highlights its commitment to international standards in animal welfare and conservation programs.
The zoo houses a wide variety of species, including bears, wolves, hyenas, lions, leopards, crocodiles, rhinoceroses, birds of prey, and waterfowl. Enclosures are thoughtfully designed to mimic natural living conditions, allowing visitors to observe the animals in spacious and comfortable habitats. Welcoming between 100,000 and 150,000 visitors annually, the zoo appeals to a broad audience, from families with young children to avid nature photographers.
Guide's Note
Bursa Zoo is a spacious facility regularly favored by visitors of all age groups. Animal variety is one of its standout features, with many visitors noting that they can see numerous species together in one place. Admission is listed as 70 TL for adults and 30 TL for students, with a 50% discounted "public day" on Wednesdays. Practical details shared by visitors include a parking fee of 115 TL and nearby picnic spots.
Positive impressions regarding animal care and cleanliness stand out; multiple visitors observed that the animals' food and water needs are regularly met and their habitats are kept clean. Some visitors noted that animals stay indoors during hot weather, suggesting that early morning or late afternoon visits might be more rewarding. Free restroom facilities and an on-site cafe are also noted.
- Directional signage: At least one visitor mentioned that internal directional signs were insufficient.
- Animal visibility: In summer, especially during hot hours, some animals do not leave their shelters; visiting early morning or late afternoon may yield better results.
- Living conditions: While one visitor expressed satisfaction with overall maintenance, there were also expectations that conditions could be further improved.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bursa Zoo is during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) months. During these seasons, the weather is mild, making the experience more enjoyable for both you and the animals. In summer, as noon temperatures rise, most animals retreat to shaded areas, so visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is far more rewarding.
The zoo can be quite crowded on weekends and during school holidays. For a quieter visit, we recommend choosing weekdays. Additionally, as part of the Wednesday public day policy, admission fees are discounted by 50%, making early Wednesday mornings an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers.
How to Get to Bursa Zoo
Reaching the zoo via public transportation is very straightforward. Buses 15 and 15/E departing from the city center stop right in front of the ticket office. From Kent Meydanı, you can take minibuses marked Soğanlı-Botanik Park and get off within walking distance.
If arriving by private vehicle, parking facilities are available in the immediate vicinity of the zoo. Located in the Soğanlı Neighborhood along the İzmir-İstanbul highway route, you can search for Bursa Zoo or Bursa Hayvanat Bahçesi on navigation apps.
Tour Route and Visiting Recommendations
Since the zoo spreads over a large area of approximately 206,600 square meters, we recommend checking the map board at the entrance before starting your tour. This will help you prioritize which sections you want to visit first.
It makes sense to start in the morning with the big cat section featuring lions and leopards, as animals are more active during these hours. You can then move on to the rhinoceros, crocodile, and waterfowl sections. Because the enclosures are large, finding some animals may take time; this is actually a sign of how close the environment is to their natural habitats. Families with children in particular are encouraged to add the walking trails and horse-riding area to their itinerary.
Best Spots for Photography
Bursa Zoo is a highly rewarding location for photography enthusiasts, thanks to its spacious and natural-looking enclosures. The big cat enclosures (lions, leopards) offer impressive shots in the morning light. The pond area housing waterfowl is tailor-made for reflection photos.
If you are using a telephoto lens, you can capture the animals' natural behaviors much more clearly. Keep in mind that using flash disturbs the animals and may be prohibited by zoo regulations. The light shortly after sunrise—known as the golden hour—aligns well with opening hours, so being among the first visitors of the day is a great advantage for photographers.
Budget Planning
Compared to similar facilities in Turkey, Bursa Zoo can be visited for a reasonable entrance fee. According to current rates, adult admission is 70 TL and student admission is 30 TL, with payment accepted via Bursa Kart. A 50% discount applies on Wednesdays, making this day advantageous for visitors looking to manage their budget. Please note that prices may change over time, so we recommend checking the official website before your visit.
Researching in advance whether cafe or kiosk services are available inside the zoo will be helpful, especially for families with children. Bringing your own snacks can be both economical and practical.
Things to Know Before You Go
Keep in mind that the ticket counter closes at 17:30, while the zoo remains open until 18:30. This means you must enter by 17:30 at the latest; otherwise, you will not be admitted. Especially during the summer months when days are long, it is easy to overlook this closing time.
Since the zoo covers a vast area, wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. Stroller and wheelchair access is available for families with children and visitors with reduced mobility. Staying close to enclosures, feeding the animals, and taking flash photography are strictly prohibited; following these rules is critical for both your safety and that of the animals. You can review visitor rules on the boards located at the entrance.
General Information About the Zoo
Bursa Zoo opened on November 10, 1998 and is operated by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. As an accredited member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the zoo is committed to complying with international animal welfare standards. This membership means participating in conservation programs for endangered species, not just exhibiting animals.
Spanning 206,600 square meters, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 137 species. Although the spacious and natural habitat-like enclosures can sometimes make animals harder to spot, visitors regard this as a positive feature. The zoo welcomes approximately 100,000 to 150,000 visitors annually.
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