The Zoo of Naples includes a variety of big cats, including African lions, tigers and leopards. In all, the zoo has 139 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles on about 25 acres. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Naples’ dense residential areas and limited green space can pose a challenge to those seeking to enjoy nature without leaving the city.

Enter the Zoo of Naples, a 25-acre wildlife and botanical garden located in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood offering a respite from the urban din.

It features 139 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and boasts trees, bushes and other plants from Europe, America, Asia and Oceania on display throughout the park.

First opened for a short time in 1940 and then reinaugurated in October 1949, the park is the second-oldest zoological garden in Italy, its website states.

Over the years, the zoo experienced severe financial difficulties and a decline in the condition of its facilities. In 2013, it was purchased by a Neapolitan family that has steadily made improvements, including the establishment of research and conservation projects.

For example, the zoo participates in five European Endangered Species Program areas, including those focused on Sumatran tigers, De Brazza’s monkeys and giraffes.

The facility also recently celebrated the birth of a quartet of fossas, a catlike mammal that is Madagascar’s largest carnivore. The four in the Naples zoo’s litter are the first fossas born in Italy, the news agency Ansa reported in October.

Reticulated giraffes are among the African savanna species at the zoo in Naples, Italy. Others include zebras and wildebeests. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

The Zoo of Naples, shown here on Oct. 14, 2025, features a network of wide pathways with plenty of shade and benches. A leisurely stroll through the 25-acre park can make the bustle of the Italian city feel like a world away. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Children can take a break at either of the two small playgrounds offered at the zoo in Naples, Italy. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

On a recent Tuesday morning, the park was mostly empty, with a few scattered visitors, groundskeepers and more than a dozen peacocks roaming the wide, shaded pathways.

Most of the zoo’s dining facilities were closed, but there were ample picnic and play areas available.

Many of the animals are grouped by area of origin, such as the African savanna, Australia or South America, while some are arranged according to their classification. Feeding times for lions, elephants and other animals are posted on the zoo’s website.

There are reptile and amphibian houses, as well as aviaries with pheasants, parrots and other birds. Habitats for lions, tigers and jaguars also can be seen.

A large pond in the center of the park is home to pelicans and other waterfowl as well as a colony of ring-tailed lemurs. A bridge across the lake offers unobstructed views.

There’s even a row of habitats featuring some of nature’s smallest creatures, including the white-tufted-ear marmoset, a tiny monkey from Brazil.

The Zoo of Naples is located in the city's Fuorigrotta neighborhood. It is easily reachable by car, bus or metro. Onsite parking costs 3 euros. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

A white tiger walks alongside a pool at the Zoo of Naples on Oct. 14, 2025. The collection of big cats at the Italian city's zoo also includes lions, leopards and jaguars. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Zebras are among the African savanna animals at the Zoo of Naples. Africa’s animal life is well-represented at the Italian city’s zoo, which recently made news with the birth of four fossas, a catlike mammal from Madagascar. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes)

Not too far away, near the park’s entrance, families can go to the opposite end of the size spectrum and see Asian elephants.

And visitors with small children may want to head to La Grande Fattoria, or The Large Farm, on the south side of the park. It features alpacas, ponies, donkeys, several breeds of roosters, goats and other animals.

All exhibits feature large placards in Italian and English identifying the animal and its native area along with other facts.

The Zoo of Naples may not be the largest or most modern zoological facility, but it offers a fun, engaging way for families to commune with nature while staying close to home.

Zoo of Naples

Address: Via John Fitzgerald Kennedy 76, Naples, Italy

Hours: April 1 through Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Nov. 1 through March 31, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Cost: 15 euros for adults; 10 euros for children ages 4-10; free for children 3 and under, adults 70 and older, and disabled people. Fee includes a pocket map of the park.

Details: lozoodinapoli.com