Specialising, not covering everything
Modern zoos specialise because breeding programmes need large groups.
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A large zoo west of Tallinn, founded in 1939, known internationally for an unusual specialisation: its collection of wild mountain goats and sheep is the largest in the world. That specialisation is not accidental. Modern zoos increasingly specialise rather than trying to show everything, because breeding programmes for threatened species need large, genetically varied groups. Tallinn chose mountain and polar species, which also suit its climate — an animal adapted to cold lives better here than one that is not. The zoo also runs breeding programmes for the Amur leopard, polar bears and the European lynx, and has a large bird section. The grounds are very extensive and need a lot of walking — allow at least two and a half hours, more with children. Practical points: entry is ticketed with family rates. The zoo is open year-round, but tropical animals are indoors in winter. Access is about twenty minutes from the centre by bus or tram. The paths are long and mostly outdoors — dress for the weather.
Modern zoos specialise because breeding programmes need large groups.
Mountain and polar species live better here than tropical ones.
The Amur leopard, the European lynx and polar bears.
Veskimetsa, west Tallinn
Yes, and it is among the few things that works well in a Tallinn winter: the mountain and polar species are at their most active in cold, and the zoo is far quieter. But tropical animals are indoors, and the paths are long and exposed — dress for the weather in earnest, not nominally.
No. With one or two days, the Old Town, Toompea and the Seaplane Harbour deserve your time first. The zoo is an option for a third or fourth day, or for a family with children needing a day that is not museums.
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