Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The number of animal species in the Moscow Zoo, which is under the jurisdiction of the capital Department of Culture, is constantly growing. This allows the institution to maintain its status as a global leader.
"Over the past year, the collection has been expanded by 30 rare and exotic species—the zoo now has more than 1,280 in total. Among the new inhabitants are rare birds and mammals," noted the Moscow Government Minister and head of the Moscow Department of Culture.
Alexey Fursin.
Shuttlebills, black-faced ibises and echidnas
Shuttlebills, or night herons, have taken up residence in the left wing of the "House of Birds" pavilion on the old property. Their enclosure is themed after the White Sea coast. The herons live alongside other birds, such as waders. Shuttlebills are unique in their unusual bill structure: short, wide, and with a tooth at the tip. They are native to Central and South America, but are rarely seen in captivity.
Eight black-faced ibises are now living in the "Birds and Butterflies" pavilion in the new area. The new arrivals are feeling comfortable in the company of white-faced whistling ducks, sacred ibises, and spoonbills housed in the same enclosure. One male and female have already formed a pair.
Shuttlebills, frogmouths, Inca cockatoos, and black-faced ibises: rare birds have arrived at the Moscow Zoo
Two Australian endemics also became a unique addition to the collection: echidnasThese rare mammals possess the ability to detect the electric fields of their prey. The echidnas are currently undergoing adaptation in the small mammal experimental department's facilities.
"The Moscow Zoo and all its staff are a single, well-coordinated organism whose primary mission is to preserve the planet's biodiversity. We don't simply exhibit animals; we strive to preserve rare species for future generations. History knows of examples where species existed only thanks to zoos: the legendary David's deer and Przewalski's horse are striking examples of this. Today, we work with species that are on the verge of extinction in the wild: the Far Eastern leopard, orangutans, snow leopards, and Amur tigers. Our team includes highly qualified specialists with unique experience in breeding, raising, and nurturing such rare species. Their work is a contribution to the common cause of saving nature," said Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Sun bears and giant otters
Following the renovation of the zoo's oldest building, the "Sun Bears" pavilion opened, housing the smallest and rarest bears on the planet—the Malayan bears. They were named Masha, Ray and Star.
According to Mikhail Bragin, head of the Mammals Department, at first, Luchik and Zvezdochka lived in one enclosure, while Masha lived in the next. Once the animals grew older and learned to safely interact with each other, they were brought together in a common space. Now the cubs spend almost the entire day together, with the exception of mealtimes. Because they are strong animals with distinct personalities, they may try to steal food from each other. Therefore, during feeding times, the zoologists briefly separate them. Two cubs remain in the exhibit enclosures, while the third goes into a closed area.
Previously, staff fed Masha, Luchik, and Zvezdochka steamed vegetables, but now the animals have grown and are already eating raw pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and lettuce. The cubs are also fed fruit: apples, pears, bananas, figs, and oranges. They also eat fermented milk products, boiled chicken, and other protein foods. Zoologists periodically apply honey to some of the logs in the enclosure, which makes the bears' hunt for prey especially exciting.
Viewers of Moscow Zoo broadcasts will be treated to a quiz about Malayan bears.
In April 2025, a spacious enclosure for giant otters opened at the new site. These rare, endangered animals are being exhibited in Russia for the first time. Their home is designed in the style of the Amazon rainforest, equipped with a freshwater pool and heated dry areas. Giant otters are the largest members of the mustelid family, possessing the thickest fur in the animal kingdom.
According to Sergei Khlyupin, head of the Moscow Zoo's scientific department, a large artificial log has been installed in the giant otters' enclosure, which serves more than just a decorative element. In the wild, the animals enjoy sunbathing on similar logs. The logs themselves are hollow, allowing the otters to climb. Furthermore, several areas with different substrates—soil, sand, and mulch—have been created in the enclosure, where the animals enjoy digging. Live fish are sometimes added to the spacious freshwater pool to enrich the environment.
Birth of cubs and the largest collections
In August 2025, a pair of Amur tigers, Shiva and Amur-Orion, gave birth to a cub at the center for the reproduction of rare animal species. twins— a male and a female. And in November, two more females arrived at the breeding center from Khabarovsk Krai.
The most important achievement of 2025 was the birth of a baby potto— a rare African primate, extremely difficult to care for and breed. The baby was born on September 16.
The Moscow Zoo has the largest collection in the world. poisonous reptiles— more than 80 species. The "Snake Catcher's Hut" exhibit features the king cobra, green and black mambas, the Australian taipan, the Gaboon viper, and many other snakes.
There are animals living in the zoo giant pandasRuyi, Dingding, and their daughter Katyusha were the first pandas born in Russia. The animals have become national treasures and a symbol of friendship between Moscow and Beijing.
The bat rehabilitation center continues its operations. Last year, more than 180 endangered bats were admitted there. They are undergoing treatment and preparation for release into the wild in the spring of 2026.
Sobyanin: Around 600 cubs were born at the Moscow Zoo in 2025.Bamboo refrigerators and a toy workshop: a unique enclosure complex will be built for Katyusha the panda.
Today, the Moscow Zoo continues to care for the well-being of its inhabitants, preserve rare species, and educate the public. It gives millions of people the opportunity to experience the amazing world of wildlife.
The Moscow Zoo's program of events contributes to the implementation of the national project's goals and objectives in the capital. "Family"More information about Russia's national projects and the city's contribution can be found atspecial page.
The Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by the Imperial Russian Society for the Acclimatization of Animals and Plants in 1864. The zoo's history is inextricably linked with the names of prominent scientists from Moscow University: Karl Roullier, Anatoly Bogdanov, and Sergei Usov.
Today, the Moscow Zoo is a dynamically developing space where serious scientific work is conducted, international conferences are held, educational programs are implemented, and a unique atmosphere is created daily for introducing residents and visitors to the amazing world of wildlife.
In early 2025, the Moscow Zoo set a world record for the number of animal species represented: 1,253 species were housed there. This remarkable achievement is the result of years of hard work by a team of zoologists, veterinarians, keepers, and other staff.
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