Gaziantep Zoo Breaks Visitor Record with 5.15 Million Visitors
Gaziantep Zoo, located in southeastern Turkey, has achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming a record-breaking 5.15 million visitors this year. Celal Özsöyler, the Director of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Natural Life Park, revealed that a significant portion of these visitors, approximately 85%, traveled from nearby provinces and countries.
Home to Diverse Wildlife from 350 Species
The zoo is a habitat for 8,000 animals representing 350 different species, ranging from giraffes, elephants, lions, and tigers to bears, zebras, snakes, and monkeys. Gaziantep Zoo offers a diverse and captivating experience for animal lovers and visitors of all ages.
Challenges Faced During the Pandemic and Earthquakes
Despite facing challenges like a decrease in attendance due to the pandemic and recent earthquakes, Gaziantep Zoo has managed to maintain its popularity. The fluctuations in visitor numbers have not hindered the zoo's commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both animals and guests.
Global Recognition and Future Projects
In 2024, Gaziantep Zoo earned its place as the fourth-largest zoo in the world and the third-largest in Europe, celebrating its highest number of visitors to date. Celal Özsöyler highlighted the success of the zoo, emphasizing the positive impact on the local economy due to the influx of visitors from various regions and countries.
Exciting Developments and Attractions
Gaziantep Zoo continues to attract visitors with popular attractions such as the safari park, tropical butterfly garden, Zoology and Nature Museum, aquarium, and chimpanzee island. Looking ahead to 2025, the zoo has ambitious plans for new projects, including a tunnel aquarium and a safari experience featuring predators, aimed at enticing more visitors and fostering curiosity among guests.
