Bursa Zoo

The most suitable period to visit Bursa Zoo is during the spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) months. During these seasons, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold; both you and the animals will have a more enjoyable time. In summer, when temperatures rise at noon, most animals retreat to shaded areas, so visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon will be more productive.

The zoo can be quite crowded on weekends and school holidays. For a quieter visit, we recommend choosing weekdays. Additionally, since there is a fifty percent discount on entrance fees as part of the Wednesday public day application, early Wednesday mornings are an ideal option for those on a budget.

Reaching the zoo by public transport is quite easy. Bus numbers 15 and 15/E departing from the city center go directly to the ticket office. From Kent Meydanı, you can take minibuses marked Soğanlı-Botanic Park and get off within walking distance.

If you are coming by private car, there is a parking area near the zoo. Since the zoo is located in Soğanlı Neighborhood on the İzmir-Istanbul highway route, you can search for Bursa Hayvanat Bahçesi or Bursa Zoo in navigation applications.

Since the zoo spans an area of approximately 206,600 square meters, we recommend checking the map board at the entrance before starting your tour. This way, you can plan which sections you want to prioritize seeing.

It's logical to start with the large cats section, such as lions and leopards, in the morning; animals are more active at these hours. Afterwards, you can proceed to the rhino, crocodile, and water birds sections. Due to the spacious enclosures, it may take some time to find some animals; this actually indicates how close to natural life the environment is. Especially for families with children, it is recommended to include the walking trails and the horse riding area in the program.

Bursa Zoo is a very productive location for photography enthusiasts, thanks to its spacious and natural-looking enclosures. The large cat enclosures (lion, leopard) offer impressive shots in the morning light. The area around the pond where water birds are located is perfect for reflection photos.

If you use a long-focus lens, you can capture the natural behaviors of animals much more clearly. Keep in mind that flash photography can disturb animals and may be prohibited by zoo rules. The light shortly after sunrise, known as the golden hour, coincides with the opening time, providing a great advantage for photographers to be among the first visitors to the zoo.

Bursa Zoo is a place that can be visited with a reasonable entrance fee compared to similar facilities in Turkey. According to the current tariff, adult admission is 70 TL, student admission is 30 TL, and payment can be made with Bursa Kart. Since there is a fifty percent discount on Wednesdays, this day is advantageous for those who want to manage their budget well. We recommend checking the official website before your visit, as prices may be updated over time.

It would be beneficial to research in advance whether there are cafe or buffet services within the zoo, especially for families with children. Bringing your own snacks can be both an economical and practical choice.

Remember that the ticket office closes at 17:30, and the zoo remains open until 18:30. This means you must enter by 17:30 at the latest; otherwise, you will not be admitted. Especially in summer, when the day is long, it can be easy to overlook this time.

Since the zoo covers a very large area, it is important to choose comfortable walking shoes. Stroller and wheelchair access is suitable for families with children. Standing close to animal enclosures, feeding animals, and taking flash photographs are prohibited; adhering to these rules is critical for the safety of both you and the animals. You can review the visitor rules on the boards at the zoo entrance.

Bursa Zoo was opened on November 10, 1998 and is operated by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the zoo is obliged to comply with international animal welfare standards. This membership means not only exhibition but also participation in programs for the conservation of endangered species.

Over a thousand animals belonging to more than 137 species live in the zoo, which is established on an area of 206,600 square meters. Although the spacious and natural habitat-like design of the enclosures sometimes makes it difficult to find the animals, this is considered a positive feature by visitors. The zoo welcomes approximately 100,000–150,000 visitors annually.