Things to Do at Abidjan Zoo

Complete Guide to Abidjan Zoo in Abidjan

About Abidjan Zoo

Abidjan Zoo, officially known as Parc Zoologique National d'Abidjan, sits in the heart of the Plateau district and offers a surprisingly peaceful escape from the city's bustling energy. Established in 1982, it's actually one of West Africa's more established zoos, though you'll find it has that distinctly local character that makes it feel quite different from the sterile wildlife parks you might be used to. The zoo houses a mix of native West African species alongside some international animals, and while it might not have the polished infrastructure of European zoos, there's something genuinely charming about its more intimate scale. What makes this place particularly interesting is how it serves as both a conservation center and a weekend gathering spot for Abidjan families. You'll often find yourself sharing pathways with local kids who clearly know every animal by name, and the staff - many of whom have worked here for years - tend to be genuinely passionate about the animals in their care. The zoo covers about 20 hectares of surprisingly lush grounds, and on a good day, it actually feels like a proper retreat from urban life.

What to See & Do

West African Wildlife Section

Home to native species including forest elephants, hippos, and various antelope species. The elephant enclosure is probably the zoo's main draw, and you'll often catch feeding times that are genuinely entertaining to watch.

Primate Collection

Features several species of monkeys and apes native to Ivory Coast's forests, including colobus monkeys and mangabeys. The enclosures are fairly naturalistic and you might actually learn something about local biodiversity.

Reptile House

Houses crocodiles, pythons, and various lizard species. It's a bit basic but the crocodile pool is impressively large, and the staff here seem particularly knowledgeable about their charges.

Bird Aviaries

Showcases colorful West African bird species including hornbills and various parrot species. The aviaries are walk-through style, so you get surprisingly close encounters.

Big Cat Area

Features lions and leopards in what are actually decent-sized enclosures. The lions tend to be most active in the late afternoon, so timing your visit can make a real difference.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours can vary seasonally and it's worth calling ahead to confirm. The zoo tends to be quieter on weekday mornings.

Tickets & Pricing

Entrance fees are quite reasonable by international standards, typically around 2,000-3,000 CFA francs for adults. Children and students usually get discounted rates, and tickets are purchased at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon visits work best - the animals are more active when it's cooler, and you'll avoid the midday heat. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Suggested Duration

You can comfortably see everything in 2-3 hours, though animal lovers might want to budget a half day to really take it all in.

Getting There

The zoo sits in Plateau district. Most taxi drivers know it as 'Zoo National' if you can't speak much French, and ride-sharing works fine from anywhere in Abidjan. You can walk from the city center. The heat makes taxis tempting though. Gbaka minibuses reach the area but they're confusing for newcomers. Taxis are your best bet. Clear signs point the way once you're in Plateau.

Things to Do Nearby

Plateau District
Abidjan's central business district with impressive modern architecture, government buildings, and the iconic Pyramid building. Worth exploring after your zoo visit.

St. Paul's Cathedral
A striking modern cathedral with unique architecture that's become something of an Abidjan landmark. It's genuinely impressive and just a short distance from the zoo.

Treichville Market
One of Abidjan's busiest markets, perfect for experiencing local culture and picking up souvenirs. It's across the lagoon but easily accessible.

Banco National Park
A larger nature reserve on the outskirts of the city offering hiking trails and more extensive wildlife viewing. Good for a day trip if you enjoy the zoo.

Cocody University Area
A more upscale neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, and a generally pleasant atmosphere for an evening stroll after your zoo visit.

Tips & Advice

Bring water and wear a hat - there's limited shade in some areas and the West African sun can be intense, even when it doesn't feel that hot

Visit the big cats and elephants later in the day when they're more likely to be active and moving around their enclosures

The staff often speak French primarily, but many are happy to share information about the animals if you show genuine interest

Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful and avoid using flash, especially around the more sensitive species like the primates