Faruk Yalcin Zoo and Botanical Park, located in the heart of Darica in Istanbul, is home to over 1700 animals of 160 wide varieties of species.
It was opened in 1993 by Faruk Yalçın, on whose name the attraction was constructed.
This is the best family excursion destination for spending time with animals and learning interesting facts about them from zookeepers.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the FY Zoo Istanbul.
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What to expect
At Faruk Yalçın, you can see various animal species, including Indian rhinoceros, meerkats, crocodiles, Siberian tigers, lemurs, grizzly bears, African lions, and chimpanzees.
The zoo has meticulously recreated natural habitats for these animals to help preserve their native environments.
It also has birds like Egyptian vultures, black vultures, penguins, and demoiselles.
The Fyzoo allows visitors to feed giraffes, Aldabra giant tortoises, goats, lemurs, and rabbits.
You can attend animal presentations of giraffes, king pythons, Indian rhinos, red pandas, and Siberian tigers and get insight into their lives.
Where to book tickets
You can book tickets to the Faruk Yalcın Zoo online in advance or at the ticket booth.
Online prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the FY Zoo ticket booking page, select the desired number of tickets and date, and book your tickets immediately.
Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
Remember to bring your official IDs.
Ticket price
Faruk Yalcın Zoo entrance ticket is priced at ₺990 (€30) for all adults aged 18 years and above.
Tickets for children between three and 17 are also priced at ₺990 (€30).
Kids under three years get free entry.
FY Zoo tickets
The Fyzoo Istanbul tickets allow visitors to visit all the animal exhibits, including the giraffes, lions, and tigers.
This ticket will get you access to the animal presentations as well.
A separate ticket can be purchased at the venue to feed the animals.
Ticket Prices
Adult (18+ years): ₺990 (€30)
Child (3 to 17 years): ₺990 (€30)
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
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How to reach
The Faruk Yalcın Zoo is located within the borders of Kocaeli and close to Istanbul.
Address: Piri Reis, Tuzla Cd. No:297, 41700 Darıca/Kocaeli, Türkiye. Get Directions
You can get to the attraction by public or private transport.
By Train
Take train B1 and get off at Fatih Gebze Technical University station. Then, take bus line 440, which will drop you at the Darıca Zoo stop. It takes a minute’s walk to reach the destination.
By Metro
Take the Kartal Metro, use IETT bus number 17B, get down at Deniz Yıldızları İO Stop, and then take the Darıca bus to the attraction.
By IETT Bus
You can take IETT bus line 500T, and disembark at Şifa Mahallesi Stop. Then, board the Darıca bus, which will drop you off at the entrance.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
Use the FY Zoo map to find the best spot for your vehicle.
Opening hours
The Faruk Yalçın Zoo is open from 10 am to 5 pm throughout the year.
The last entry is at 3 pm.
How long does the tour take
It takes nearly 3 hours to explore the Faruk Yalcın Zoo.
If you stop for lunch and plan to attend feeding sessions and animal presentations, the tour may last 5 to 6 hours.
Some families also prefer spending the whole day enjoying the atmosphere.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Faruk Yalcın Zoo is when it opens at 10 am.
You can avoid getting stuck in crowds and ticket office queues when you start early.
Starting early gives you enough time to explore the animal exhibits, enjoy dining, and get souvenirs for your loved ones.
Animals are the most active in the mornings, and you have a high chance of spotting them.
Weekends and public holidays are crowded.
Weekdays are better for a comfortable and uninterrupted visit.
Map of Faruk Yalçın Zoo
The map helps you conveniently spot animal enclosures, activity areas, picnic spots, restaurants, washrooms, and many other facilities.
It also helps in setting up the rhythm of the tour.
Reviews
Faruk Yalcın Zoo is a highly-rated tourist attraction.
Check out two reviews we selected from Tripadvisor, which give you an idea of what to expect at this attraction.
Perfect for visit with kids
You should visit here with your kids. It is better to start your visit before the afternoon cause it will take nearly 2 to 3 hours. There are kinds of monkeys, birds, fishes, lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes in the first attraction. These are enough, I think. The prices are considerably good. In the entrance phase, you think it is small but quite big and has cafes, a restaurant, and a gift shop inside.
Must-see attraction
Really well organized and amazing place. It was so clean, and all the animals looked happy and relaxed. Must see and support.
FAQs
Here are some questions visitors ask before visiting the Faruk Yalcın Zoo.
You can purchase the tickets online in advance and avoid standing in the queue at the attraction.
The zoo offers free entry to toddlers under three years old. Those over three years must purchase tickets to secure admission.
For group entry, reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance. Contact the administration office on its Guest Services line at 0262 653 66 66 to make reservations.
The last entry is allowed 2 hours before the closing time.
No, outside food is strictly forbidden. There are no picnic areas inside to sit and have your food. However, the zoo has two cafeterias, one buffet, and one pancake cafe. The two ice cream points in the park offer good desserts.
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos and videos without using flash.
Yes, it has a large playground where kids can jump and swing.
Yes, the pathways are wheelchair accessible. If you need a wheelchair, you can request one at the ticket office.
Yes, the zoo has a mosque where visitors can offer prayers.
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