Since 1928
Nearly a Century Alongside Nature
The journey of Azerbaijan's oldest zoo — from a small zoological corner to a modern park.
The history of the Baku Zoo began in 1928 and passed through several moves and eras. Here are its key milestones.
1928
A Zoological Corner
A small zoological corner opens in Lunacharsky Park (today Nizami Park) — the beginning of the zoo's story.
1942
Official Founding
The zoo is officially established; during the war years it merged with the evacuated Rostov Zoo.
1945
Opening to the Public
After the war, the zoo opens its doors to visitors.
1985
A Home on Bakikhanov Street
The zoo settles in the Narimanov district, on the site where it still operates today.
1995
EARAZA Member
The zoo joins the Euro-Asian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
2017
Reconstruction Begins
A major reconstruction begins on the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva and with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
2021
A Second Birth
On 7 October the renewed zoo is ceremonially reopened — with spacious enclosures and a new mission of species conservation.
Some of the relocation dates differ between sources; the most widely cited ones are given here.