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Zoo Club: A Touch of the Exotic in Rural Moldova
Discover exotic animals from around the world at Zoo Club in Bardar, Moldova, just a short trip from Chișinău!
Zoo Club, located in Bardar, just 13 km from Chișinău, offers a unique opportunity to encounter exotic animals and birds from around the world in a familiar Moldovan setting. Originally a farm for breeding ostriches, it has grown into a diverse collection, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Zoo Club
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Bardar, MD
Tuesday
9 am-5 pm
Wednesday
9 am-5 pm
Thursday
9 am-5 pm
Friday
9 am-5 pm
Saturday
9 am-6 pm
Sunday
9 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Chișinău, take a minibus or bus heading towards Hîncești. Ask the driver to stop near Bardar. From the main road, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to Zoo Club. The bus fare from Chișinău to Bardar area is approximately 30 MDL.
Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-sharing service from Chișinău to Zoo Club is a convenient option. The journey is about 13 km and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 150-200 MDL for the trip.
Local tips
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Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the experience is primarily outdoors.
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Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on unpaved paths.
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Note that the Zoo Club is closed on Mondays.
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Consider visiting during the weekend to enjoy pony or horse rides, which are available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Discover more about Zoo Club
Nestled in the village of Bardar, a short distance from Chișinău, Zoo Club provides visitors with an opportunity to explore a diverse collection of exotic animals and birds within a traditional Moldovan landscape. Founded in 1990 by Igor Balzhikov, a zootechnician, the zoo began as a humble ostrich farm, the first of its kind in Moldova. Over time, the farm expanded to include various species from around the globe.Visitors can see and interact with a variety of animals, including the world's largest African ostrich, miniature quails, American mustangs, and majestic Latvian horses. The zoo also features raccoons, mini-goats, alpacas, wild rabbits, kangaroos and more. Children and adults alike can enjoy pony rides and hand-feed peacocks and swans.Zoo Club is dedicated to conservation and education, offering a space where people can connect with nature. It is open for excursions and also caters to those interested in purchasing rare breeds of animals and birds. The zoo is closed on Mondays.
A brief summary to Zoo Club
Use Zoo Club as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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