| Date opened | November 8, 1952 |
|---|---|
| Location | Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Number of animals | over 2000 |
| Number of species | over 200 |
| Website | Emperor Valley Zoo website |
The Emperor Valley Zoo is the main zoo in Trinidad and Tobago. It is located north of the Queen's Park Savannah and west of the Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain.
The zoo was first opened on November 8, 1952 by Governor Sir Hubert Rance. At that time, there were 10 cages containing 127 animals, mainly indigenous species. It now has a collection of over 2000 individuals and over 200 species.
The zoo was named after the large, blue Emperor or Morpho butterfly which once frequented the valley in which the zoo is situated. It covers 7.2 acres, with much of the original flora intact.
There are both local and foreign animals: lions, ocelots, parrots, macaws and many more including snakes, caiman, wildfowl and others. The categories include small mammals, large cats, a reptile house, aquariums, a deer park, primates and ponds.[1]
The zoo is preparing to undergo a major upgrade so that it can meet international standards. This will be undertaken by the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ZSTT).[2][3] The government plans to spend $56 Million TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Dollars) to upgrade the Emperor Valley Zoo.[4]