Emperor Valley Zoo
Discover diverse wildlife, from jaguars to free-range macaws, in Trinidad's Emperor Valley Zoo. A family-friendly escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Emperor Valley Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife, from jaguars to free-range macaws, in Trinidad's Emperor Valley Zoo. A family-friendly escape.
"The zoo has potential, but it’s clear that significant upkeep and investment are needed to bring it back to a standard."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water or purchase drinks to combat the heat and humidity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Jaguars
Big Cat Enclosure
Witness the power and beauty of these elusive big cats in their dedicated habitat.
Free-Range Macaws
Aviary
Be amazed by the vibrant blue and gold macaws flying freely, a truly unique sight.
Diverse Primate Collection
Primate House
Observe various monkey species and other primates in their lively and engaging enclosures.
Ancient Giant Tortoises
Reptile House
Marvel at the slow and steady pace of these ancient reptiles, a testament to longevity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water or purchase drinks to combat the heat and humidity.
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the amazing wildlife.
🚫 Don't Feed the Animals
Adhere to zoo rules and avoid feeding animals; it's harmful and can lead to health issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking involved, so prioritize comfort for your feet!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water or purchase drinks to combat the heat and humidity.
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera or phone to snap photos of the amazing wildlife.
🚫 Don't Feed the Animals
Adhere to zoo rules and avoid feeding animals; it's harmful and can lead to health issues.
🗺️ Check for Maps
Look for website maps or signage to navigate the zoo efficiently.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emperor Valley Zoo offers a diverse collection of animals, including unique local species and impressive big cats. While some visitors find the experience educational and enjoyable, others point to the need for significant upkeep, particularly concerning facility maintenance and odor control. The zoo has potential but requires investment to meet modern standards.
"About 15 years ago, I took some expats to this zoo and it was actually quite nice— a little dated, but reasonably well maintained.
On our recent visit to Trinidad, we decided to take our kids, thinking it would be a fun family outing. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The only real positive was the free parking.
Given the island’s constant humidity, it would be a huge improvement if management installed misting stations throughout the grounds.
This would make the visit much more comfortable. Instead, the entire zoo had an overwhelming odor of animal waste—particularly near the wild boar section, where the smell was almost unbearable.
Basic facilities were also an issue. There wasn’t a single working sink with running water; most of the pipes were broken, with faucet handles just spinning in place.
On the bright side, the animals were fairly active, and our kids enjoyed seeing some of the local wildlife, including snakes, turtles, deer, and agouti.
Overall, the zoo has potential, but it’s clear that significant upkeep and investment are needed to bring it back to a standard that both locals and visitors can appreciate."
beyondTabu
"I enjoyed visiting a lot. I went alone and it was a very peaceful walk through to see all the animals. There were shops available for drinks / food / souvenirs. I enjoyed seeing so many animals you don't usually get to see in zoos in United States."
Rachael Kirby
"Well... I hate to give bad news about this place... but maybe the zoo will read this and make some changes before they close for good!
The zoo need real help. The animal feces smell is all over the primate section and is inescapable, espescially on the humid rainy days. The signage on the exhibits are missing and poorly done. The larger animals look uncomfortable for sure and have no recourse from the heat. The aquarium...oh please stop calling it that!. Its just a few fish tanks with some freshwater species. The tanks need to be cleaned up, so the fish can be better displayed. The airconditioning in this space is a lovely escape from the stench of mamalian species areas, so that is a huge plus. Lots of the animal exhibit spaces are missing animals. Why??!
The best parts of the zoo are the birds, zebras,& tigers. There are also many native food tree species in the zoo as well. Make the place more interactive by adding website maps, contol the odors, and add some saltwater fish species and other local wildlife along with the areas they are found in nature. This place could be such a national treasure! I remember this zoo from when I was a child. It was such a pleasant experience. I brought my own family here this week- 45 years later. I was embarassed at the condition of the place. Have some Trini Pride man, and fix this place up to modern tourist zoo standards. I would love to come back when things have improved. Thanks for reading and I really hope all-yuh do someting good for de place soon."
Work Aholic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Emperor Valley Zoo is located in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Many visitors arrive by car and find free parking available. Public transportation options may also be available, but checking local schedules is recommended.
Yes, free parking is available at the Emperor Valley Zoo, which is a significant plus for visitors arriving by car.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Emperor Valley Zoo website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Taxis are a convenient option for reaching the Emperor Valley Zoo, especially if you're not driving. They can drop you off directly at the entrance.
While specific routes can change, it's generally advisable to check with local transport authorities for the most current bus or maxi-taxi routes that service the area around the Emperor Valley Zoo.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Emperor Valley Zoo can vary. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current admission fees.
While not always mandatory, booking Emperor Valley Zoo tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, can save you time and ensure entry. Check their official channels for booking procedures.
Information on discounts for Emperor Valley Zoo tickets, such as for children, seniors, or groups, is typically available on their official website or by contacting the zoo directly.
The entrance fee for Emperor Valley Zoo is subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on admission costs, please refer to their official website or inquire at the ticket counter.
Yes, you can usually purchase Emperor Valley Zoo tickets upon arrival at the ticket counter. However, to avoid potential queues, purchasing online in advance is often a good strategy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Emperor Valley Zoo houses a variety of animals including jaguars, macaws, monkeys, tigers, zebras, snakes, turtles, deer, and agoutis.
Yes, Emperor Valley Zoo is a popular destination for families, offering a chance for children to see and learn about various animals.
Animals are often more active in the cooler parts of the day, so early mornings or late afternoons are generally good times to visit.
Yes, there are shops available for drinks, food, and souvenirs within the Emperor Valley Zoo.
While basic facilities are present, some reviews mention issues with running water in sinks. The zoo has added tents and benches for comfort. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The free-range macaws offer stunning photo opportunities. Enclosures with good lighting and clear views of animals like jaguars and tigers are also popular.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Emperor Valley Zoo. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or rules regarding flash photography or getting too close to enclosures.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's always wise to avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Respecting the animals' space is paramount.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. A smartphone with a decent camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
The free-ranging macaws are a unique photographic subject. Also, the diverse range of local wildlife not commonly seen in other zoos can provide distinctive photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Highlights for kids often include the monkeys, tigers, and the unique experience of free-range macaws. 🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
+1 You can take your time exploring the exhibits at your own pace, observing the diverse wildlife without the rush of a group. Remember to stay hydrated and wear comfortable footwear for your exploration. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Capturing the jaguars and tigers in their enclosures can also yield impressive shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Zoo: Tips from Visitors
The tropical climate means staying hydrated is crucial; bringing your own water or purchasing drinks from onsite vendors is advised. For the best experience, consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, when animals are often more active and the heat is less intense.
Despite some challenges, many visitors appreciate the diversity of animals, including local species not commonly found in zoos elsewhere.
The zoo also provides opportunities for educational experiences, especially for children, making it a worthwhile outing for families. +1Animal Encounters and Conservation
Visitors often express delight in seeing animals like zebras, snakes, turtles, deer, and agoutis, some of which are native to Trinidad. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the enclosures and the well-being of the animals, particularly in relation to the heat and potential for stress.
The zoo's management is working on improvements, with some visitors noting recent additions like tents and benches for comfort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit