The Riga National Zoo was established on 14 October 1912. Since then, it has experienced a variety of ups and downs, but most importantly, the zoo has achieved a respectable age, although not a record one, since the beginnings of the modern zoo can be traced to earlier centuries.
Live exhibits and information games are a part of the exhibit.
The WHISKAS tiger house began operations on 13 November 1998 – the largest and most modern building of this type in Europe. This is the first structure financed by businesses and private individuals since the 1930s. Prominent contributors include the Environmental Protection Fund of Latvia and the company Master Foods. Next, 15 May 1999 saw the opening of a farmstead allowing visitors to become acquainted with domestic animals typical to Latvia.
The Tropical House of the Riga Zoo, with 80 species of animals, opened its doors to visitors on 25 May. Included are exhibits of amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates (insects, scorpions, and arachnids), and nocturnal animals. This is the first major environmental exhibition in the Riga Zoo. Deserving of special attention is the exhibit of leafcutter ants.
