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Lion Zoo gate
Source: commons.wikimedia.org4 photos
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Park
Addis Ababa Lion Zoo (Anbessa Gibi)
Small zoo at Sidist Kilo that keeps Ethiopian lions, founded in 1948
- Hours
- Daily 6:00 to 20:00
- Area
- Sidist Kilo
The Addis Ababa Lion Zoo, known as Anbessa Gibi, is a small zoo at Sidist Kilo. Emperor Haile Selassie founded it in 1948. It keeps lions.
Good for
- Families
- Founded in 1948 by Emperor Haile Selassie
- Keeps lions with dark manes
- Open daily from 6:00 to 20:00
- Site of about 1.2 hectares at Sidist Kilo
Facilities
- Parking
- Wheelchair access
The Addis Ababa Lion Zoo is at Sidist Kilo, near the main campus of Addis Ababa University. People call it Anbessa Gibi, which means lion compound. Emperor Haile Selassie founded the zoo in 1948.
What to see
The lions are the main attraction. The males have dark manes. Genetic studies found that some of the lions are close relatives of wild lions in Cameroon and Chad. The zoo also keeps primates, lesser kudus, ducks, eagles and tortoises.
The site is small. It covers about 1.2 hectares.
Opening hours
The zoo is open daily from 6:00 to 20:00.
Getting there
The gate is on Russia Street at Sidist Kilo. The Ethnological Museum and the Yekatit 12 Monument are a short walk away. The National Museum of Ethiopia is one stop south at Amist Kilo.
Good to know
Allow 45 minutes. The zoo suits a short visit with children. The entrance and the car park have wheelchair access.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the lion zoo in Addis Ababa?
The lion zoo is on Russia Street at Sidist Kilo, near the main campus of Addis Ababa University.
When is the Addis Ababa Lion Zoo open?
The zoo is open daily from 6:00 to 20:00.
What animals are in the lion zoo?
The zoo keeps lions, primates, lesser kudus, ducks, eagles and tortoises.
Sources
- Addis Ababa Zoo, Wikipedia
- Addis Ababa to build new zoo, Wanted in Africa
- Lion Park, Google Maps listing
- Photo: Addis Abeba Lion Zoo gate, Ethiopia, 2004-11-07.jpg by Sakari A. Maaranen, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lion zoo Addis Ababa.jpg by Jean-François Paumier, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Lion zoo Addis Ababa 3.jpg by Jean-François Paumier, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: "Le roi de la jungle" (5772478002).jpg by Jean Rebiffé from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Profile last reviewed November 12, 2026.
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