Located within the scenic Burç Forests of the Şahinbey district in Gaziantep, Turkey, the Gaziantep Zoo offers a expansive wildlife destination inside Burç Nature Park. Owned and operated by the Metropolitan Municipality of Gaziantep, it stands as the largest zoo in Turkey by area. You can explore a diverse setting that hosts 4,000 animals across 350 species, featuring dedicated spaces tailored to their natural environments.
Highlights include Turkey's very first Safari Park, where free-roaming African animals live across a vast landscape, along with a dedicated Chimpanzee Island monkey house. You will also discover large enclosures for predatory cats like lions, tigers, jaguars, and pumas, alongside heated winter shelters for giraffes, zebras, and tropical birds. Marine enthusiasts can admire a massive 21-section aquarium—among the world's largest—housing thousands of sea and freshwater creatures.
Additionally, you can visit the on-site Zoology and Nature Museum to inspect taxidermied specimens, fossils, and giant animal skeletons. Opened in 2001, this Wildlife Protection and Recreation Area provides a comprehensive look at global fauna for visitors of all ages.
What to see at Gaziantep Zoo
- Turkey's first Safari Park featuring 700 African animals across 50 species
- Chimpanzee Island and specialized enclosures for large predators like lions and tigers
- Massive 21-section aquarium holding 450 tons of water with 2,700 fish
- Zoology and Nature Museum showcasing taxidermied specimens, fossils, and giant skeletons
- Diverse habitats including an ostrich house, bird cages, and camel-llama shelters
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the zoo's free bus rides to conveniently tour the expansive Safari Park area.
How long: Half day · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Gaziantep Zoo is easy to reach on Gaziantep’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gaziantep Castle and Zeugma Mosaic Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Gaziantep travel guide.
See the full Gaziantep travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.