Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros Sorocaba Brazil - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall
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Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros Sorocaba Brazil

4.6
·24k reviews·, Brazil

A charming, shaded zoo in Sorocaba, perfect for a few hours of family fun with diverse animals and a historical museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros Sorocaba Brazil - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall

Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros Sorocaba Brazil

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, shaded zoo in Sorocaba, perfect for a few hours of family fun with diverse animals and a historical museum.

4.6
(24k reviews)

"Nice small zoo perfect to spend a couple of hours with the family."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Check for Free Days

Look out for 'Férias Quentes' or other promotions offering free Tuesday entry!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a must for wandering the paths. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandro the Elephant

Sandro the Elephant

Elephant Enclosure

Observe Sandro, the long-term resident elephant, a focal point of animal welfare discussions.

Diverse Bird Aviaries

Diverse Bird Aviaries

Aviary Section

Marvel at a variety of colorful and rare birds in well-maintained enclosures.

Monkey Exhibits

Monkey Exhibits

Primate Area

Watch playful monkeys and other primates in their naturalistic habitats.

Zoo's Historical Museum

Zoo's Historical Museum

Inside Zoo Grounds

Explore a small, educational museum detailing local natural history and the zoo's past.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Sorocaba Zoo

The Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros in Sorocaba is a popular spot for families. While it's not the largest zoo, it offers a pleasant experience with shady paths and a variety of animals. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you're aiming for a more relaxed visit. Check for any special event days or free admission periods, as these can significantly impact visitor numbers.

Understanding the Sandro Controversy

A significant point of discussion surrounding the Sorocaba Zoo is the welfare of Sandro, an elephant who has lived there for over 40 years. Animal welfare activists advocate for his transfer to a sanctuary. While the zoo is a place to observe animals, be aware of this ongoing debate and consider its implications during your visit. This topic is frequently discussed online and may influence your perception of the zoo's operations.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Free admission days
Why
Budget-friendly, but expect crowds
Crowd
High
When
Afternoons (excluding free days)
Why
Shady paths offer relief from sun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Luisa Mell, Elefante Sandro, Santuários e Ongs, ataques aos zoológicos, Sorocaba São Paulo
@biologohenrique
73.7K likes • 822.3K views

🎟️ Check for Free Days

Look out for 'Férias Quentes' or other promotions offering free Tuesday entry! Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a must for wandering the paths. :athletic_shoe:

🐘 LIBERA O SANDRO? A última vez que eu vi, o elefante chamava Morgado… mas tudo bem! Fuzil, o herói do Brasil, foi até Sorocaba conferir se os artistas tão certos em pedir a soltura do bicho. Tentaram prender nosso “ex-pantalho” de Taipas várias vezes, mas acabaram liberando depois que ele explicou: gato não pode ficar no recinto! 📺 Confira na JP News e Panflix #Pânico #Elefante #Zoologico #Soroc...
@programapanico
20.4K likes • 282.9K views
Sandro has lived at the Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros in Sorocaba (Sorocaba Zoo), Brazil, since 1982—over 40 years. Prior to the zoo, he was used in a circus for about a decade. He currently lives alone, having lost his longtime companion Raisa in late 2020. For years, animal welfare activists and organizations in Brazil have been campaigning for Sandro’s transfer to Elephant Sa...
sanctuary4elephants
4.8K likes • 47.3K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days, as the zoo can get quite warm. :droplet:

⏳ Short Visit Recommended

Most visitors find 1-2 hours is sufficient to see everything. :stopwatch:

𝐅É𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐒 🛟 A Prefeitura de Sorocaba, como parte do “Férias Quentes”, está oferecendo entrada gratuita no Parque Zoológico Municipal “Quinzinho de Barros”, sempre às terças-feiras, de 14 de janeiro a 4 de fevereiro. 📍 Zoo: Rua Theodoro Kaisel, 883, na Vila Hortência, aberto de terça a domingo, das 9h às 17h, sendo que a bilheteria funciona até as 16h. ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕖!
prefeituradesorocaba
1.6K likes • 55K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Check for Free Days

Look out for 'Férias Quentes' or other promotions offering free Tuesday entry! Instagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a must for wandering the paths. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days, as the zoo can get quite warm. :droplet:

⏳ Short Visit Recommended

Most visitors find 1-2 hours is sufficient to see everything. :stopwatch:

🐘 Sandro's Story

Be aware of the ongoing debate about Sandro the elephant's future. TikTokInstagram+1

🚻 Restroom Check

Some reviews mention restrooms can be in poor condition, so be prepared. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(24k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros to be a pleasant, well-maintained, and affordable place for a short family outing. The shaded paths and variety of animals, particularly birds and monkeys, are often highlighted as positives. However, some reviews note concerns about the welfare of Sandro the elephant and the condition of the restrooms.

"Nice small zoo perfect to spend a couple of hours with the family. Only bad thing was the restrooms were in poor condition."

Deborah Schnitzler

"It’s a really worth place to visit.
As of April, 2023, entrance fee is 8 BRL per adult, 4 BRL per kid.
It’s not so big land, they don’t have any kind of animals such as São Paulo zoo, but it’s not crowded, we can see rare birds, monkeys, snakes and others.
Less than 2 hours is enough to see all.
We enjoyed our holiday there."

Papipupenta

"Freedom for Sandro. Elephant has been prisoner for 40 years. Sandro deserves to end his life at Elephant Sanctuary Brasil at Matto Grosso.
Don’t support abuse!"

Regina Cachan

What People Like

Affordable entrance fee
Shady and pleasant paths
Good variety of birds and monkeys

What People Dislike

Restroom conditions
Elephant welfare concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is located at Rua Theodoro Kaisel, 883, in Vila Hortência, Sorocaba. You can reach it by car or public transport. Parking is available on-site. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available at the zoo, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.

The zoo is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The ticket office operates until closing time. Instagram+1

No, the Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros is closed on Mondays.

The zoo generally has paved paths, making it reasonably accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some areas might be uneven.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As of April 2023, the entrance fee was 8 BRL per adult and 4 BRL per child. It's always a good idea to check for any updates on pricing. Reddit

Yes, during certain periods like 'Férias Quentes,' the zoo offers free admission on Tuesdays. Instagram+1

Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets at the zoo's ticket office upon arrival.

Yes, children typically have a reduced admission fee compared to adults. The exact price can vary. Reddit

Specific discounts for seniors or students are not consistently mentioned, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter.

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including rare birds, monkeys, snakes, and big cats. Sandro the elephant is a notable resident. Reddit

Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to see all the exhibits. Reddit

The zoo is generally not as crowded as larger city zoos, especially on weekdays. However, free admission days can lead to higher visitor numbers. Reddit

The zoo itself provides an engaging experience for children with animal viewing. Special events or educational programs may be offered during holidays. Instagram+1

Sandro, an elephant at the zoo for over 40 years, is the subject of a debate where activists advocate for his transfer to a sanctuary. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining facilities are not detailed, it's common for zoos to have snack bars or kiosks. Bringing your own snacks and water is often a good idea. :forkandknife:

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within the zoo premises. :sandwich:

The zoo is located in a city, so there are likely various dining options in Sorocaba if you plan to eat before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

The bird aviaries and monkey exhibits often provide dynamic subjects. The shaded paths also offer pleasant backdrops for family photos. :camerawithflash:

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo for personal use. Please be respectful of the animals and other visitors. :iphone:

You can take photos of Sandro, but remember to be mindful of the sensitive nature surrounding his situation. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sorocaba Zoo is an excellent destination for families looking for an engaging and manageable outing. The zoo's size means younger children are less likely to get tired, and the shaded paths offer a comfortable environment for strollers.Reddit The variety of animals, from playful monkeys to colorful birds, keeps kids entertained.Reddit

Key recommendations for families:
* Pack snacks and drinks: While there might be concessions, bringing your own ensures you have what your kids like and can manage costs. :sandwich:
* Visit on weekdays: To avoid the biggest crowds and allow for a more relaxed pace, aim for a weekday visit if possible. :calendar:
* Engage with the museum: The small historical museum can be a fun, educational addition for curious kids. :books:

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Sorocaba Zoo offers a very affordable experience. The standard entrance fee is quite low, and there are opportunities for free admission.InstagramReddit+1

Tips for budget travelers:
* Look for free admission days: Tuesdays during 'Férias Quentes' are prime examples of when you can visit without paying an entrance fee. Instagram+1
* Bring your own food: Save money by packing a picnic lunch and snacks instead of purchasing them at the zoo. :apple:
* Focus on the experience: The zoo provides a good value for its price, offering a pleasant few hours of exploration without significant expense.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers from São Paulo

If you're looking for a day trip from São Paulo, the Sorocaba Zoo is a viable option, offering a change of pace from the bustling city. The drive is manageable, and the zoo provides a relaxed environment to spend a few hours.Reddit

Day-trip advice:
* Combine with other Sorocaba attractions: Consider exploring other parts of Sorocaba before or after your zoo visit to make the most of your trip.
* Check traffic: Plan your travel time, especially if you're driving during peak hours, to ensure a smooth journey. :car:
* Arrive early: To maximize your time and enjoy the zoo before it gets too busy, aim to arrive shortly after it opens. :sunrise:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of Sandro the Elephant

Sandro, an African elephant, has been a resident of the Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros for over four decades, having arrived in 1982 after a period in a circus.Instagram+2 His presence has become a focal point for animal welfare advocates in Brazil, who argue that his current living conditions are inadequate for an animal of his size and social needs. The debate centers on whether the zoo can provide a suitable environment for Sandro, especially after the loss of his companion, Raisa, in late 2020.Instagram+2

This situation has led to legal interventions, with courts ordering Sandro's transfer to a specialized elephant sanctuary. One such order in April 2023 mandated his move to Santuário de Elefantes Brasil (SEB) in Mato Grosso within 45 days.Instagram However, the implementation of these orders has faced challenges and ongoing discussions. Social media platforms, including TikTok, have amplified these discussions, with various personalities and organizations weighing in on Sandro's welfare and the role of zoos versus sanctuaries.TikTok+4

Visitors to the zoo may observe Sandro and reflect on the complex ethical considerations surrounding his long-term residency. The controversy highlights the evolving understanding of animal welfare in zoological institutions and the growing movement towards specialized sanctuaries for large, intelligent animals like elephants. It's a significant aspect of the zoo's narrative that many visitors are aware of.

Navigating the Zoo: Tips for a Pleasant Visit

The Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros is designed for a relaxed, family-friendly experience, often completed within a couple of hours.Reddit Its layout features shaded paths, making it a comfortable place to wander, especially during warmer parts of the day.Reddit While it may not house the extensive variety of animals found in larger metropolitan zoos, it offers a good selection of birds, monkeys, and reptiles, alongside its notable elephant, Sandro.Reddit

Practical advice from visitors emphasizes wearing comfortable footwear due to the walking involved and staying hydrated, particularly during sunny periods.Reddit It's also worth noting that some reviews mention the condition of the restrooms can be less than ideal, so visitors might want to be prepared for this.Reddit For those looking to save money, keeping an eye out for promotional periods, such as free Tuesdays during 'Férias Quentes,' can make the visit more budget-friendly, though these days tend to be busier.Instagram+1

Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo also houses a small historical museum, adding an educational layer to the visit. This museum provides insights into the local natural history and the zoo's own past, offering a brief but informative diversion. Overall, a visit to the Sorocaba Zoo is best approached with realistic expectations for a pleasant, relatively short outing focused on appreciating the animals and the natural environment.

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