The Zoo in Targu-Mures

Situated in the so-called “City of Roses”, or more precisely, 197 m above it, the Zoo in Targu-Mures is the best equipped in Romania. The Cornesti Plateau accommodates the 500 animals of the zoo. Veiled by “The Big Forest”, a forest made up of oak and hornbeam, the zoo is an agreeable place for animals, a heaven for locals and for a number of 200.000 visitors every year.

It has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 1960s when it was only a 600-700 m2 park that housed the small number of 10 animals: 3 wolves, 2 bears, 2 boars, 2 pheasants and a deer. With dedication and commitment, it has been expanded to a surface of 20 acres and the number of animals has been increased to 500. The facility is very special, as it is the only one in Romania that offers appropriate conditions for some of the 80 species living under its roof.

It is divided into five sectors, the oldest of which being the Lions’ Pavilion. This used to be home to all the felines in the garden, but presently lodges only lions. Also positioned in this section are the Bears’ Den, the Tigers’ Den and the Horse Stable.

In 1983, the Tropical Pavilion saw the light of day. The aquariums, terrariums and parrot cages can be found here. Also situated in this building is a botanical garden that recreates the conditions of the tropical climate.

Another interesting area is the Primates’ Pavilion, which shelters a number of tropical plants. It was opened in 1990 and it is the only one of its kind in the country.

The Zoo in Targu-Mures is famous throughout the country for the care and good conditions offered to the animals. Since 2004, it has continuously undergone improvements, the number of pens having been increased every year. These measures were taken in order to comply with European standards. The director of the facility states that it is his intention to put Romania on the map through a renowned zoo.

In the latest news coming from this institution, there has been a new addition to the family of animals. The baby tiger, Jango, and the two baby lions, Lica and Tica, all named by the mayor, were abandoned by their mothers at birth. They were temporarily put in the care of a lady dog at the zoo, but they will soon have to be moved to a separate shelter. Integration with the feline community will not be possible, due to their mothers.

Despite their rough start, the cubs have grown up nicely and they frolic and climb trees all the time. They are very healthy and happy, according to director Horatiu Gorea.

The monkeys are also very playful. At the end of June 2014, 8 exemplars from the species of Japanese Macaque managed to tear the fence from their cage and roam free all around the zoo. While 7 of them were caught in due time, the eighth remained on the loose for a while longer, during which time it saw fit to sneak up on unsuspecting visitors and steal their bags of treats.

Everybody who has been to the Zoo in Targu-Mures has nothing but kind words about it! The animals are happy and well cared for. The staff is devoted to their furry friends and goes to great lengths to acquire the skills that will make them better at their jobs. Thus, it is a place worth visiting for locals and tourists alike.