If you are looking for an adventure in Istanbul, look no further than the Jungle
Park. Covering a 5,000 m2 area, this park has more than 400 animals belonging to 100 different species, some of which are on the verge of extinction. Not only that but there are regular training about nature and parks, birthday parties, a gift shop, and more waiting for you and your kids in Istanbul Tema Park Jungle.
What makes
Jungle Park fun and exciting is the animals you get to discover during
your trip. There are more than 400 animals belonging to 100 different species,
some of which are on the verge of extinction. Jungle Istanbul stays in contact
with domestic and foreign institutions to find out what they can do to protect
and save the future of these species.
The
arthropods in Jungle Park are among the favorites of visitors. These
species, which include creatures like scorpions and spiders, have many
examples inside Jungle Park. One of the popular spiders is the Theraphosa
Blondi, also known as the “Goliath Bird Eater”. It normally lives in the South
America has longer feet than other spiders. This giant spider weighs 170
grams on average. It is usually fed to mice or lizards. Its poisonous teeth
are its deadliest weapons, not its webs.
Another
stand out from the arthropods section is the Pandinus Imperator, which is the second
longest scorpion in the world. Their natural habitat is Africa and they have an
average life span of 8 years. They live in the nests they dig. They mainly eat
termites in their natural environment, so although they are poisonous and
strong, they are not that aggressive.
Arowana
fish is among the most stunning fish species in the Jungle Park. These
freshwater fish have lived since the age of dinosaurs and their natural
habitats are the rivers in Asia. They are very aggressive fish. They are large
as they can go up to 150 cm in length. They are also known as Dragon Fish and considered
to bring luck and prosperity to the keeper, if they can keep the fish healthy
and happy.
There
are also many reptiles in Jungle Park. One of the reptiles that gets the most
attention is the Mata Mata turtle. They are among the most odd-looking animals
in the entire world with big, long heads that resembles a leaf. They are
extremely slow and are carnivores that prefer live fish.
Another
reptile that stands out is the Panther Chameleon. They live in tropical forests
around the island of Madagascar and are one of the most colorful chameleons in
the world. The male ones are richer in color to attract females. They often
stay in trees and branches.
Desert
monitors, also known as Varanus griseus, are also in Jungle Park. They are big
lizards that can grow up to 2 meters in length. They live in Central Asia,
North Africa, Egypt and our country. They change skin periodically like other
lizards and they are great swimmers. They have a life span around 17 years.
They feed on mice, eggs, or fish. Another interesting fact is that they cannot
move their bodies at temperatures below 21 degrees.
Where
is Jungle Park Istanbul?
Jungle Park Istanbul is located inside the Vİaland Shopping Mall, which is in
the Eyup district of Istanbul. While taking the metro directly to the mall is
not possible, you can use IETT like 39, 39Y, 39D, 39O, 47, 47L, 47E, 47T, 49A,
49G, 49Y and 49T to go to the Vialand Shopping Mall. If you can catch them,
there are also free customer buses of the mall that take off from Alibeykoy and
Kucukkoy.
From
the Anatolian side of Istanbul, you can get on the Marmaray and transfer to the
39 or 39D buses from the Yenikapi station. Alternatively, you can take the
ferries to Eminonu from Kadikoy or Uskudar and get on the 47 or 47E to reach
the Jungle Park Safari Istanbul.
Visiting
Jungle Park
Jungle Park Istanbul opening hours are between 11.30 AM and 8 PM on
weekdays, and between 10 AM and 9 PM on the weekends. It is FREE with Istanbul Tourist Pass.
Other
Attractions Near Jungle Park
After
the visiting the Jungle park, don’t forget to visit the Sapphire Observation Deck in the Sapphire Shopping
Center. It is located at the top of the mall, which is one of the tallest
buildings in Istanbul. You get to watch Istanbul from 236 meters high,
accompanied by the great dishes of the Vista Café & Restaurant. You also
have the chance to take pictures with Showtime Pictures.
While
you are in the Sapphire Shopping Mall, don’t forget to try out the Skyride 4D Simulation, which is just in the 54th
floor. It lets you tour the Istanbul and some of its most famous monuments from
a virtual helicopter with 4D effects.
Dialogue in the Dark is another unique
experience near Jungle Park. This social project was presented in more than 40
countries across the globe, and it finally came to Turkey. It is described as
one of the most exciting life-changing experiences, where you will be guided by
blind guides in dark rooms to empathize with blind people.LEGOLAND Discovery Center is yet another amazing
place for spending time with your kids. From the LEGO Factory Tour
to the Kingdom Quest, this place is full of joy, especially for your children.
Sea Life Istanbul is just near the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and is a great place to visit with your family. There, you
will see hundreds of different sea creatures in large aquariums that cover
entire walls and areas
Want
to visit all of the attractions above, explore Istanbul and save time &
money at the same time? Buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass and get access to 85+
attractions and services in Istanbul.
Free access to 100+ top Attractions
At Jungle Park Istanbul, you can spot many creatures that you cannot see in the city and enjoy a lovely day with your family. You wouldn’t want to forget to take your camera because these beauties deserve to be kept as visual memories.