This park plays host to a bevy of exotic beasts, but its aims are more “ark” than “freak show”.

The São Paulo Zoological Gardens Foundation has launched a number of initiatives to protect Brazil’s many endangered species, which range from marmosets to macaws, and the zoo itself acquired all of its original lions, camels, bears and elephants from a circus. It also features a large collection of animals native to South America.

Built amid one of the few extant segments of the Atlantic rainforest, it is currently home to more than 3200 animals. Regularly scheduled activities run from guided tours to nighttime walks.