The oldest scientific zoo in Lithuania
The zoo was initiated in 1935 by famous Lithuanian zoologist Tadas Ivanauskas and opened on 1 July 1938 with 40 animals. These creatures were either personally owned by T. Ivanauskas or were gifts from other zoos. Within one year, the number grew to 150. The zoo currently has 2166 animals, and is classed as a medium-size zoo according to European zoo standards. It experienced funding difficulties during the 2000s.
