MOSCOW ZOO
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Address: Bolshaya Gruzinskaya St.,
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The Moscow Zoo situated in the very center of the
Russian capital is one of the largest in the world. The oldest zoo in
Russia, established in 1864, passed a long way from a small zoological
garden to the large scientific, educational and conservation institution.
The Moscow Zoological garden was founded by the All-Russia
Emperor Society for Acclimatization of Plants and Animals. From the
first days of its existence the Zoo became extremely popular with the
citizens. It was financed by the entrance fees and supported by generous
charitable gifts, including contributions by the Royal family. 
When the Bolsheviks came to power the Zoo, greatly
damaged during the revolutionary battles, was nationalized. The new
authorities favored the Zoo popular with the common people. The territory
of the Zoo was doubled, the collection of the animals was greatly enriched
and a number of scientific institutions and laboratories were created.
The latest large-scale reconstruction of the Zoo was carried out in
the 1990s. All reconstruction and modernization works were completed
by 1997, timed to the celebrations of the 850th Anniversary of the City.
Nowadays the unique collection of the Zoo numbers
over 7,000 species. The animals are kept in the open-air cages and pavilions
designed in accordance with the natural habitat. One of the most famous
Zoo's constructions is the Animals Island built in the 1930s. It is
a high stony rock surrounded by a deep-water ditch that separates the
visitors from bears, tigers, lions and other large beasts of prey. 
The Zoo's monkeys live in the specially constructed
Primate House. The glass pavilions that imitate the natural habitat
are home to 24 species starting with primitive primacy and ending with
anthropoid apes.
The Night World exhibition is also worth visiting.
It is located in the basement under Animals of Russia exposition and
designed as a large dark cave with illuminated window of enclosures.
Each enclosure has shelters imitating burrows, cavities and hollows
similar to the type of shelters the night animals naturally hide in
during the daytime. But the enclosures that are red lightened have one
glass side and so the visitors can watch animals even when they sleep.
Among the animal exhibited there are various rodents and chiropters.
The Moscow Zoo also features the Exotarium. The large
marine aquariums that are up to 3,000 liters are inhabited with the
most exotic fish and creatures of the Pacific and the Indian oceans,
Black and Japanese seas. The underwater landscapes of tropical and northern
seas are masterfully recreated with the use of the state-of-the-art
technologies.
With its numerous playgrounds, souvenir shops and
cafes the Moscow Zoo is the perfect day out for the children of all
ages.
