Just 2 of roughly 9 zoos in Portugal have Giraffe.
Giraffes are among the most iconic animals to see in Portugal, yet only 2 out of the country’s roughly 9 zoos currently keep this remarkable species. That rarity makes both Zoo Santo Inácio and Lisbon Zoo essential stops for any wildlife enthusiast. This guide explores what makes each giraffe encounter special, detailing the unique experiences and settings each zoo offers, so you can choose the visit that best matches your interests.
Zoo Santo Inácio stands out with its expansive Savannah exhibit, where visitors can observe both Kordofan and Baringo giraffes roaming alongside ostriches, gazelles, lechwes, and black wildebeests. The zoo also offers an Exclusive VIP tour, providing behind-the-scenes access to the giraffe enclosure—an experience not available at Lisbon Zoo.
Lisbon Zoo is home to Angolan giraffes and forms part of a much larger animal collection, with around 2,000 animals from more than 300 species. The giraffes can be seen as part of the historic zoo's extensive displays, set within a zoological park founded in 1884. While there are no behind-the-scenes giraffe experiences, the range of species is a highlight.
The biggest difference between these two zoos lies in the giraffe species on display and the visitor experience. Zoo Santo Inácio offers the chance to see both Kordofan and Baringo giraffes in a mixed-species Savannah setting, with the added option of joining an Exclusive VIP tour for behind-the-scenes access to the giraffe enclosure—something unique among Portuguese zoos. Lisbon Zoo, by contrast, features Angolan giraffes and impresses with its sheer scale, housing over 2,000 animals and more than 300 species, which may appeal to visitors seeking variety in a single visit. If you want a more immersive or up-close giraffe experience, especially with the possibility of backstage access, Zoo Santo Inácio is the better choice. If you’re looking to see giraffes as part of a classic, diverse zoo experience, Lisbon Zoo will likely suit you best.
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Avintes, Portugal
Zoo Santo Inácio offers a distinctive Savannah experience, where giraffes roam with several African species and behind-the-scenes tours bring visitors closer.
At Zoo Santo Inácio, giraffes are housed in the Savannah exhibit—a spacious and naturalistic environment designed to mirror the African plains. Here, both Kordofan and Baringo giraffes live side by side with Cape ostriches, Mhorr gazelles, lechwes, and black wildebeests. This mixed-species approach allows visitors to watch giraffes interact with other iconic African animals, offering a dynamic and realistic safari-like viewing experience.
A highlight for giraffe enthusiasts is the Exclusive VIP tour, which includes rare behind-the-scenes access to the giraffe enclosure. This tour allows participants to get a glimpse of the animals’ daily routines and explore areas not usually open to the public. For visitors seeking a deeper connection or a unique photo opportunity, this is a feature not found at Lisbon Zoo.
Zoo Santo Inácio’s combination of immersive exhibit design and special-access opportunities makes it a memorable destination for giraffe fans.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Zoo’s giraffes are part of a vast zoological collection, set within a historic park that brings together over 300 species.
The giraffes at Lisbon Zoo belong to the Angolan subspecies (Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis), distinguishing them from those at any other Portuguese zoo. Visitors can observe these giraffes as part of the zoo’s broad collection, which features approximately 2,000 animals representing more than 300 species.
Founded in 1884, Lisbon Zoo is set in a historic environment at Quinta das Laranjeiras. The giraffe enclosure forms part of a classic zoo experience, allowing visitors to see the animals alongside an extensive range of wildlife. While there are no behind-the-scenes giraffe tours, the sheer diversity on display makes for a varied day out.
Lisbon Zoo’s Angolan giraffes and multi-species exhibits offer a traditional and wide-ranging zoo visit for animal lovers.
Both Zoo Santo Inácio and Lisbon Zoo provide rare opportunities to see giraffes in Portugal, each with its own distinct approach. Whether you prefer the immersive Savannah setting and exclusive access at Santo Inácio, or the historic ambiance and broad animal diversity of Lisbon Zoo, your choice will depend on the giraffe experience you seek. Either way, you’ll be witnessing a species that only two zoos in the country can offer.
