The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ho Chi Minh City is the oldest cultural and historical park in Vietnam and has the country's largest collection of plants and animals.
It was established in 1865 on an area of 12ha close to the Rach Lang River in the north-east of city. The zoo opened with about 500 animals, birds and many species of plants that were seen in Vietnam for the first time such as cacao and coffee. In 1924, it was expanded to cover another 10ha and was officially named the Zoological and Botanical Garden five years later.
In 1990, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden was recognized as an official member of the Southeast Asia Association of Zoological Gardens. The zoo has become the country's largest of its kind and is a popular tourist attraction and an outdoor school for young Vietnamese.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden now houses some 800 animals of more than 120 species. The garden also houses rare species such as black-legged gibbons, flame-colored wolves and red headed cranes.
Many precious trees have been planted throughout the zoo. Some are over 40m tall. It would take six people holding hands to circle the largest. The garden welcomes some 2 million visitors every year.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden has just celebrated its 140th founding anniversary.
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