İzmir Natural Life Park, Izmir

Wildlife Park near Izmir

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Set across 425,000 square meters of lush landscape in Çiğli, Izmir Wildlife Park is a sanctuary where animals live freely and visitors can experience wildlife up close. Unlike traditional zoos, this sprawling park allows its residents - from zebras and giraffes to lions and gazelles - to roam in open, natural-style enclosures that mimic their true habitats. It's more than just a zoo; it's a celebration of biodiversity and respect for nature, offering both education and relaxation for visitors of all ages.

Families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts will all find something to love here. With shaded walkways, picnic areas, and large observation zones, it's a full-day escape from city life. Whether you're watching elephants splash in the water, hearing the roar of lions echo through the trees, or spotting colorful tropical birds overhead, Izmir Wildlife Park is a great trips to go on from İzmir that combines learning, adventure, and serenity.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
Nearby Food Options
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Opened in 2008, Izmir Wildlife Park was designed with a focus on animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The city transformed an old zoo into a modern conservation space where animals could thrive without the stress of small cages. Today, it's home to over 1,500 animals representing 120 species from around the world, including endangered and rare species carefully monitored by expert veterinarians and caretakers.
The park also plays an important educational role, teaching children and visitors about the importance of protecting ecosystems and respecting wildlife. Through its breeding and rescue programs, it has become a model for humane and sustainable zoo management in Turkey.

Things to See and Do

Wander through wide, green paths that take you from African savannahs to tropical forests. The park’s habitats are thoughtfully designed - you’ll see flamingos near shimmering ponds, monkeys swinging through treetops, and hippos cooling off in the water. One of the highlights is the expansive aviary, where exotic birds glide freely in a colorful display of sound and motion.

Families can pack a picnic and spend the day exploring different sections of the park, or stop for a meal at one of the cafés inside. There’s also a dedicated children’s area with playgrounds and learning spaces. For photographers, the open design and natural light make it an ideal place to capture stunning wildlife shots without barriers.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable weather and active animal behavior
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €2-3 for adults; discounts for children
Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Official website: www.izmir.bel.tr or local tourism pages
How long to spend: 3-4 hours to half a day
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities throughout the park
Facilities: Cafés, picnic areas, restrooms, gift shop, and shaded seating
Photography tip: Early morning for soft light and more active animals
Guided tours: Occasionally offered for groups and school visits; inquire at entrance

Nearby Food Options

There are small cafés and snack kiosks within the park serving drinks, sandwiches, and ice cream - ideal for families spending the day. Outside, Çiğli offers local restaurants serving traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs and gözleme. For more variety, you can drive to Karşıyaka, where seaside eateries line the promenade with plenty of dining choices.

Nearby Attractions

Karşıyaka Waterfront: A lively area with cafés, parks, and views across İzmir Bay.
Kültürpark: The city’s green heart, offering walking trails, a lake, and cultural events.
İzmir Bird Paradise (Kuş Cenneti): A protected wetland nearby, home to flamingos and migratory birds.
Asansör: The historic elevator in İzmir offering panoramic city views.

Izmir Wildlife Park is one of the best places to go on a day trip from İzmir, perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves animals and nature. With its ethical approach, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful setting, it's a refreshing reminder that true wildlife appreciation begins with compassion.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (22,816)

Izmir Wildlife Park in Çiğli is a large, well-kept wildlife park where animals from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas live in spacious, natural-feeling enclosures; visitors praise the green, forest-like setting, variety of species (lions, tigers, hippos, giraffes, elephants, zebras, crocodiles, snakes, parrots and more), plentiful parking and easy, card-friendly entry, plus on-site cafes and play areas for kids, though some note toilet cleanliness and limited food options as areas for improvement and that aircraft noise can be noticeable.

Derya Dinç

3 weeks ago

"A great place to spend the day! Even though it was raining we had a great time. The food options are limited but the park is clean and well takencare of. The animals have plenty of space to roam and they decorated each habitat based on the animal. You don’t feel sad seeing caged animals. Plenty of parking and entrance is fast with credit card payment. Facilities need updating and cleaning. No toilet paper...."

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Samira Saraeian

9 months ago

"Visiting Izmir Wildlife Park felt like stepping into a vast forest full of life! The park is incredibly large, home to all kinds of animals fromaround the world, living in spacious, natural environments. I spent around three hours exploring different areas, walking through beautiful green landscapes and capturing amazing photos. From majestic lions to playful monkeys, colorful birds, and even exotic reptiles, every corner had something fascinating to see. The peaceful atmosphere and the sound of nature made the experience even more special. If you love wildlife and enjoy being surrounded by nature, Izmir Wildlife Park is a must-visit! It’s the perfect place to relax, learn about animals, and take stu ing photos...."

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Victoria D.

8 months ago

"A large and interesting zoo. Very easy payment system (no need to stand in a huge queue for a ticket). Beautiful well-kept territory, largeenclosures for animals. Great variety (tigers, lions, hippos, zebras, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, snakes, parrots and much more). Lots of information about animals. A very playful and charming elephant. Peacocks and other charming animals can meet freely on the territory. I would like the toilets to be cleaner. Planes fly over the zoo very often, as a visitor it is very noisy, I don’t know about the animals... apparently they are used to such noise. There are trash cans everywhere, but people do not see them and throw trash on the territory, I suggest to fine such people...."

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The İzmir Natural Life Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Izmir!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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