Cali Zoo - a police officer is walking down a sidewalk
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Cali Zoo

4.7
·32k reviews·Cali, Colombia

Discover over 2,500 animals at Cali Zoo, a conservation hub showcasing native and international species in beautifully designed habitats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
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Cali Zoo - a police officer is walking down a sidewalk

Cali Zoo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover over 2,500 animals at Cali Zoo, a conservation hub showcasing native and international species in beautifully designed habitats.

4.7
(32k reviews)

"This zoo is very beautiful and very cleanly kept. Everyone was nice and we had an amazing time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right at opening. Mornings are great for active animals!

🎟️ Check Ticket Prices Online

Prices vary for adults, children, and seniors. Verify current rates on the official website.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Asian Exhibit

Spectacular Asian Exhibit

Asia Section

Encounter tigers, gibbons, and Komodo dragons in a stunning new section that transports you to Asia.

Andean Spectacled Bear

Andean Spectacled Bear

Andean Bear Enclosure

Spot the elusive Andean spectacled bear, a unique species native to South America.

Vibrant Otter Habitat

Vibrant Otter Habitat

Otter Enclosure

Watch playful otters swim and interact in their specially designed aquatic environment.

Nutria Enrichment Activities

Nutria Enrichment Activities

Nutria Enclosure

See how the zoo provides stimulating enrichment for its nutria, like special fish and fruit ice cream.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Mornings are ideal for observing active animals and getting the best photos before the midday sun. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

Plan Your Visit

Check the zoo's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices, as these can change. Some TikToks mention specific pricing for adults, children, and seniors, so verify before you go.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend Mornings
Why
See animals before heat
Crowd
Medium
When
October Evenings (special events)
Why
Mitos y Leyendas experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ese michi me quería comer 😭 #fypシ゚ #views #paratii #zoologicodecali #zoologico
@dayanatorres2000
98.7K likes • 803.5K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right at opening. Mornings are great for active animals! TikTok

🎟️ Check Ticket Prices Online

Prices vary for adults, children, and seniors. Verify current rates on the official website. TikTok

Visitamos el @zoologicodecali y a pesar de que nos permitieron el acceso con mi perrita servicio, siento que al establecimiento le falta MUCHÍSIMO para facilitarnos la estadía y experiencia a las personas con una condición médica y con canes de servicio. De muchísimas áreas me sacaron, me pidieron retirarme y hasta me negaron el ingreso por ir con mi perrita; pese a esto, el buen ambiente me lo hi...
@soyjhervasquez
82.8K likes • 1.1M views
🐾✨ En el Zoológico de Cali, cada detalle cuenta. Antes de la Carrera del Zoo 2025, nuestro equipo realiza una preparación especial: observamos el comportamiento de las especies, identificamos cuáles son aptas para convivir con este tipo de eventos y diseñamos rutas que eviten estrés y garanticen su tranquilidad. 👟 De esta manera, logramos que la experiencia sea segura tanto para los corredores com...
zoologicodecali
376 likes • 14.4K views

📸 Capture Amazing Shots

Mornings offer softer light for photography. Get creative with angles to showcase the animals! TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Cali can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to purchase it to stay comfortable during your visit. Reddit

El día de hoy nuestra Dra. Angélica Urrea 👩‍⚕️estuvo de fisioterapia en el @zoologicodecali , haciendo laserterapia ( @teralvet )a una NUTRIA!!!🦦🦦 Qué alegría nos da saber que en nuestra hermosa #cali, el bienestar y la salud de los animalitos del zoo es prioridad y son tratados por los especialistas veterinarios que ellos requieran 👍👍. #fisioterapiaveterinaria #zoologicodecali #laserterapiavete...
fisiovetangelicaurrea
274 likes • 4.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right at opening. Mornings are great for active animals! TikTok

🎟️ Check Ticket Prices Online

Prices vary for adults, children, and seniors. Verify current rates on the official website. TikTok

📸 Capture Amazing Shots

Mornings offer softer light for photography. Get creative with angles to showcase the animals! TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Cali can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to purchase it to stay comfortable during your visit. Reddit

🐾 Service Animals Policy

Be aware of the zoo's policies regarding service animals, as experiences can vary. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(32k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cali Zoo for its beautiful design, cleanliness, and the impressive variety of well-cared-for animals. Many highlight the engaging exhibits and the overall positive experience for families and couples. Some note that foreigner prices are higher but consider it worthwhile.

"Loved the visit to this zoo with my girlfriend. So many amazing animals to see and they are all well taken care of. The exhibitions are also decorated in a very cute way. It’s 50k pesos for foreigners but it’s totally worth it"

Daniel H

"We came to visit the zoo all the way from Arizona, USA. I have nothing but great things to say about our experience here. The zoo is very beautiful and very cleanly kept. Everyone was nice and we had an amazing time. Our family had an amazing time. I would highly recommend this zoo."

Cesar Espinoza

"This place was fun! Lots of animals, some native to Colombia, lots of historical information around.

I was excited to see the oso-con-anteojos, which I got to see but the bear kept pacing in the corner. Not sure what was going on, my son was excited see the bear, and the monkeys, lions, and.. bear. :)"

Carlos Martin

What People Like

Beautifully designed exhibits
Clean and well-maintained
Diverse animal collection

What People Dislike

Higher foreigner prices
Inconsistent service animal policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cali Zoo is accessible by various public transportation options in Cali. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services for convenience. If driving, check for available parking information on their official website. Reddit

Yes, the zoo is a well-known landmark in Cali, Colombia. Using GPS or asking locals for directions to 'Zoológico de Cali' will easily guide you there. Reddit

From downtown Cali, you can take a taxi, a ride-sharing app (like Uber or Didi), or local buses that pass near the zoo's vicinity. Confirm routes with local transport apps. Reddit

Yes, several local bus routes serve the area around the Cali Zoo. It's advisable to check current bus routes and schedules as they can change. Reddit

Information on parking availability and any associated fees should be checked on the official Cali Zoo website. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan for transportation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and seniors. Foreigner prices might differ. For example, one TikTok mentioned 30,000 COP for adults and 24,000 COP for children. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing. TikTok

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to avoid queues and ensure entry. Check the official Cali Zoo website for online booking options. Instagram

The zoo typically opens around 9:00 AM. It's best to confirm the exact opening and closing times on the official Cali Zoo website, as these can vary by day and season. TikTok

Discounts may be available for seniors, children, and sometimes for groups. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any current promotions or special rates. TikTok

The zoo has specific policies regarding service animals. While some visitors have reported being allowed access with service dogs, others have faced restrictions. It's crucial to contact the zoo directly to understand their current regulations. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are early mornings when the light is soft and animals are often more active. Late afternoons can also offer good lighting before closing. TikTok

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always check the zoo's guidelines. TikTok

A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the exhibits. Instagram

The new Asian section with tigers and Komodo dragons, as well as the vibrant otter habitats, offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Patience is key! Observe animal behavior and visit exhibits at different times of the day. Early mornings are often best for seeing more active animals. TikTok

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the tigers and other Asian species in the new exhibit, the Andean spectacled bear, and the playful otters. The zoo houses over 2,500 animals. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! The zoo is designed to be engaging for all ages, with diverse exhibits and educational information. It's a great family outing. TikTokInstagram

Plan for at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the zoo and appreciate the different exhibits. If you want a more leisurely visit, consider allocating half a day. Reddit

The zoo occasionally hosts special events, like the 'Mitos y Leyendas' in October, which offers a unique nighttime experience. Check their social media and website for announcements. Instagram

The Cali Zoo is dedicated to conservation, housing many endangered species and contributing to biodiversity preservation efforts. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the zoo typically has food and beverage options available for purchase within its premises. You can find snacks, meals, and drinks to enjoy during your visit. Reddit

It's advisable to check the zoo's official policy on outside food and beverages. Some zoos allow it, while others have restrictions. Reddit

Expect typical zoo fare, which may include fast food, snacks, and refreshing drinks. The variety can depend on the specific concessions available. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan meals is best confirmed directly with the zoo's food service providers or by checking their website. Reddit

Food prices at attractions can sometimes be higher than outside. It's a good idea to budget accordingly or consider bringing some of your own snacks if permitted. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cali Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Children will be captivated by the diverse range of animals, from playful monkeys to majestic tigers. The zoo's layout is generally easy to navigate, making it manageable for little legs. TikTokInstagram

Consider arriving early to avoid the midday heat and crowds, which can be especially helpful with younger children. Pack snacks and drinks (if permitted) to keep energy levels up. The zoo's educational displays also offer a great opportunity for kids to learn about different species and their habitats. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Cali Zoo offers a wealth of subjects. The early morning hours provide the best natural light for capturing stunning shots of the animals. TikTok The zoo's diverse exhibits, including the new Asian section and lush naturalistic enclosures, provide beautiful backdrops. Instagram

Bring a versatile zoom lens to get close-ups of the animals without disturbing them. Look for opportunities to capture unique behaviors and interactions. Remember to respect the animals' space and any posted photography guidelines. Instagram

🌍 Travelers Seeking Native Wildlife

While the Cali Zoo features international species, it also provides an excellent opportunity to see animals native to Colombia and South America. Keep an eye out for the Andean spectacled bear and various primate species. TikTokReddit

Learning about these local animals can deepen your appreciation for Colombia's rich biodiversity. The zoo's historical information displays can offer insights into the native wildlife and conservation challenges they face. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Conservation Efforts at Cali Zoo

The Cali Zoo is more than just an exhibition space; it's a vital center for conservation. They actively participate in breeding programs for endangered species and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, both native and international. Instagram

Their commitment extends to educating the public about the importance of protecting wildlife. Through informative displays and engaging exhibits, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing many animal populations and how they can contribute to conservation efforts. This focus on education makes a visit to the zoo a meaningful experience. Instagram

Recent initiatives, like the enrichment activities for animals such as Kirpa the nutria, demonstrate a dedication to the well-being and mental stimulation of the animals under their care. This holistic approach to animal welfare is a cornerstone of their conservation mission. TikTok

Navigating the Cali Zoo with Service Animals

The experience of visiting the Cali Zoo with service animals can be varied, according to traveler accounts. While the zoo aims to accommodate, there have been instances where visitors with service dogs faced challenges and were asked to leave certain areas. TikTok

It's crucial for visitors planning to bring a service animal to contact the zoo directly well in advance of their visit. This allows for clarification of their current policies and ensures a smoother experience. Understanding the specific requirements and any designated routes or limitations is essential. TikTok

While the zoo is beautiful and offers a lot to see, potential visitors with service animals should be prepared for the possibility of restrictions and prioritize clear communication with the zoo administration to manage expectations. TikTok

Special Events and Themed Experiences

The Cali Zoo comes alive with special events that offer unique experiences beyond the daily animal encounters. One notable event is 'Mitos y Leyendas' (Myths and Legends) held in October, which transforms the zoo into a magical realm with themed decorations and a different atmosphere. Instagram

These events often involve extended hours, allowing visitors to explore the zoo after dark, adding an element of mystery and wonder. The zoo's team works diligently behind the scenes to create these immersive experiences, making them memorable for all ages. Instagram

Attending these special events, like the 'Carrera del Zoo' (Zoo Race) preparations, also highlights the zoo's dedication to ensuring the tranquility and well-being of its animals during public activities. They meticulously plan routes and observe animal behavior to minimize stress. Instagram