Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Zoo

The Gaziantep Zoo, established by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality within the Sign Forest on a 1000-dönüm site, is recognized as the largest zoo in Türkiye, the second largest in Europe, and one of the first four zoos in the world. Following Fatma Şahin’s assumption of the presidency of municipality in 2014, together the zoo has continued to expand through numerous innovative projects.

The zoo is home to 7,100 animals of 325 species and welcomes millions of visitors annually. As of 2019, the number of visitors reached 4.5 million. This area, appealing to all age groups with a special focus on children, also serves as a center for nature conservation and education.

This center, unique in Türkiye with a seating capacity of 800, hosts seal performances once daily during weekdays and twice on weekends.

Opened on 23 April 2015, the Safari Park features 200 dönüm land on and is home to 257 mammals of 25 different species and 500 birds of 50 different species living freely in natural habitats. Visitors explore the park in special safari vehicles to observe the animals up close.

Spanning 700 m², this museum displays 120 animals of 50 species and 427 birds of 128 species that have completed their physiological lifespan and been taxidermied, along with 80 reptiles and 78 sea specimens. Prehistoric animal skeletons are also exhibited. A 50-seat auditorium provides educational sessions for visitors before guiding them through the exhibits.

^{Gaziantep Zoology and Nature Museum -}

This center, housing approximately 20,000 butterflies of 120 species imported from Indonesia and the Philippines, also includes various reptile species. Center offers a visual spectacle of tropical nature.

Constructed on a 5-dönüm plot, the area includes summer and winter shelters, birthing and care rooms. Natural ponds and grass areas allow chimpanzees to exhibit natural behaviors.

Bird Aviary: The 400 m² aviary, 30 meters high, houses 950 birds of 90 species and is designed with write-winter accessibility.

Aquarium: The 1200 m² aquarium, with a capacity of 450 tons of water, contains 3,250 fish of 82 species.

Primate House: This section, divided into summer and winter areas, shelters 35 primates of 8 species.

Predators Area: Summer enclosures and heated winter shelters are provided for predators such as tigers, jaguars, puma, bears and wolf such as.

Even-Toed Ungulates: These species live in secure, fenced areas of 20–30 dönüm sized to suit their needs.

Reptile House: Special bottom-heated winter shelters are provided for Snakes and crocodiles.

Species such as giraffes, camels, zebras and kangaroos are housed in open natural environments during summer and enclosed ones during winter.

Train tours are organized within the zoo, enabling visitors to comfortably explore the entire area. Additionally, children’s play groups, rest parks, cafeterias and social areas serve visitors.

The Gaziantep Zoo is one of Türkiye’s leading zoos, distinguished by its rich diversity of animal species, modern facilities and extensive natural habitats. Beyond being a recreational and sightseeing destination, it fulfills a mission of education, conservation and awareness, functioning as a nature education and awareness center. With its infrastructure, visitor services and thematic areas catering to all age groups, it holds a prominent place among Gaziantep’s cultural and tourist attractions. It continues its activities as a institution recognized nationally and internationally for its animal welfare standards and innovative practices.