This may seem like your ordinary collection of animals, but rest assured: it is so much more than that. Originally created by Franco Cuneo and Angelo Lombardi in the early 20th century, it was envisioned as a means to gather the various species of the animal empire for the public to enjoy. The original project was spread out over 10 hectares of land and saw many gorgeous visions come to life: the pavilions belonging to the pachyderms, the reptiles and the great aviary of the raptors. It was the perfect marriage of architectural prowess and natural beauty. Forced to close its doors during the Second World War, the zoo quickly reopened after the war ended and continued its path to international distinction. Today, it is recognized not just for its unique animals but also its conservation efforts, with remarkable success in the acclimatization of the African Ungulates species. Most recently, the zoo just announced the proud birth of a Siamang baby, an incredibly rare species of gibbon endangered in the wild. The zoo’s dedication to its calling means that you can enjoy a rare glimpse of animals that you probably can’t even find in the wild today, and is a unique experience not to be missed.