The Moscow Zoo is the _oldest_ in Russia. It was opened in 1864. It is also the _biggest_. It covers the territory of 22 hectares. It is situated in the centre of Moscow, near the Garden Ring. Today the Zoo is home to 1,000 species and _more_ than 6,000 animals.
The collection includes animals from all over the world: giraffes and elephants, bears and tigers, dolphins and flamingoes. For many animals, cages are replaced by enclosures that recreate animals' natural environment. This gives a _better_ lifestyle to the animals and a _more realistic_ experience to the visitors.
The Zoo also has beautiful gardens as well as innovative zoo buildings which house many animals in winter.
