Who We Are
Zoo Santo Inácio was born from the dream of a family passionate about Nature
In 1997, Roberto Guedes began building an innovative zoological park, surrounded by a unique nature, which would bring society and wildlife closer together.
For 3 years, the land in Avintes that belonged to the Guedes family from Quinta da Aveleda was transformed into a large set of natural habitats that would host various animal species. On June 1, 2000, Quinta de Santo Inácio opened its doors with the main objective of conserving and preserving endangered species and involving its visitors in this great mission.
2000
Opening of the largest zoological park in northern Portugal, at the time called Quinta de Santo Inácio.
2005
The park becomes a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria).
2006
The park becomes a founding member of APZA (Portuguese Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
2010
Its name is changed to Zoo Santo Inácio.
2012
The City Council of Gaia awards a professional merit medal to the Zoo, in recognition of its role in conservation and environmental education.
2013
Integration of the Zoo into the Thoiry Group, owner of two other zoological parks in France.
2014
Creation of the African Savanna, a multi-species habitat.
2015
Building of the first glass tunnel in the Iberian Peninsula crossing a habitat of lions.
2015
The Thoiry Group is now managed by the Ekkio investment fund.
2018
Participation in “Photo Ark”, a project by Joel Sartore for National Geographic.
2020
Employees from Zoo Santo Inácio join several teams coordinating EEP programs.
2021
Inauguration of the Lemurs Forest.
2022
Holding of the first Wild Lights festival.
2022
The Thoiry Group is now managed by the Kartesia investment fund.
2023
Opening of the Tropical World.
2024
The Thoiry Group is committed to rebranding with the aim of internationalizing the brand, with the group now being called WOW – Worlds of Wild.
The Group
The international group WOW – World of Wild includes Zoo Santo Inácio, the WOW Safari Thoiry and the WOW Safari Peaugres, working together for the conservation of animal species.
Zoo Santo Inácio currently counts
700
animals
150
species
15
hectares
+3 million
visitors since its opening