Zoos with Bears in Italy 2026

Safari Park Le Cornelle, officially known as Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, is a zoological park located in Valbrembo, Italy. The park is dedicated to the protection and conservation of animal species, with a particular focus on those threatened with extinction. Established as more than just a traditional zoo, Le Cornelle aims to educate visitors about the delicate balance between humans and nature. The park is home to over one hundred animal species, offering guests the opportunity to observe rare and fascinating creatures such as the Berber lion, which is extinct in the wild, and the elusive okapi. Visitors can explore themed areas including a reptile house, a savannah with zebras and rhinos, a tropical forest, and an island for giant Aldabra tortoises, making it a diverse and immersive wildlife experience.

Zoo Safari Fasanolandia, located in Fasano, Puglia, Italy, is recognized as the second largest wildlife park in Europe. Established as a modern zoological garden, it plays a significant role in the conservation of endangered species. The zoo spans an impressive 140 hectares, offering a vast natural oasis where animals from over 200 species live in conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats. Visitors can expect an immersive experience, with opportunities to observe a wide variety of animals up close, including marine mammals like sea lions, seals, and penguins. The park is also family-friendly, providing educational activities and attractions for children, as well as an adjacent amusement park with more than 20 rides.

Bioparco di Roma is a 17-hectare zoological garden located within the historic Villa Borghese estate in Rome, Italy. Established in 1911, it is the oldest zoo in Italy and was originally designed to entertain and amuse the public, rather than serve purely scientific purposes. The zoo was conceived by Carl Hagenbeck, who pioneered the use of ditches and pits instead of bars, creating more naturalistic enclosures for the animals. Over the years, Bioparco di Roma has expanded and renovated its facilities, including the addition of a large aviary and a reptile house. Today, visitors can expect to see over 1,100 animals representing more than 220 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, in a lush, green setting.