The Yerevan Zoological Park was founded in 1940 by a decree of the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR and initially occupied an area of 3 hectares. Construction began in 1941, but with the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, the project was suspended. The zoo was finally completed and opened to visitors in 1950.
From the central entrance, a wide alley stretches into the park, where you’ll find a decorative pond and a modern playground. A bit further in are well-kept flowerbeds with fountains, surrounded by cozy pavilions.
As of July 2022, the zoo is home to 126 species (707 animals and birds) from Armenia, the Caucasus, and other continents. Some of them are listed in the International Red Book of Nature Protection, while others are included in the Red Book of Armenia.
The Yerevan Zoo regularly hosts various scientific and educational events and maintains cooperation with international organizations and zoos.
The Sad Story of Vova the Elephant
At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the circus division of the zoo was closed, and most of the animals were quickly relocated to other Soviet cities. However, one elephant named Vova remained in Ukraine. Because of his size, he could not be transported quickly.
One day, while under attack by Messerschmitt aircraft, Vova shielded his trainer, Ivan Shcherban, carefully covering him with his massive body to protect him. Later in 1941, Ivan and Vova arrived in Yerevan, and the elephant was temporarily housed in the unfinished zoo. When Ivan was drafted to the front, he barely made it to Rostov before being ordered back — Vova refused to obey anyone but him. From that day on, they were inseparable.
Nearly three decades later, on June 28, 1970, Vova unexpectedly escaped from the zoo. He wandered along Myasnikyan Avenue towards a bridge at the city’s edge. Military tanks were urgently deployed to block his path toward residential areas. Panicked, Vova overturned cars, destroyed metal structures, and caused havoc.
When it became clear that returning him alive was impossible, the tragic decision was made to kill the elephant. Automatic rifles proved ineffective, and only a tank shell finally brought him down. Eyewitnesses said Vova continued to move even after the hit, suffering a slow, agonizing death in front of hundreds of onlookers.
His mutilated body was later brought back to the zoo, where, by official order, the remains were cut up and distributed as food for other carnivorous animals.
This tragedy shocked Yerevan but was never officially acknowledged. The next day, newspapers printed only a short note:
“The elephant that escaped from the zoo has been safely returned to its enclosure. There is no danger to the public.”
Vova’s story remains one of the most dramatic and hushed-up episodes in the history of the Yerevan Zoo.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Ticket Prices
- Number of People (16–69 years):
Weekdays – 800 AMD
Weekends – 1200 AMD - Children (3–15 years):
Weekdays – 500 AMD
Weekends – 600 AMD
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