Municipal Zoological Park Quinzinho de Barros

The Largo do Jardim (Garden Square) was inaugurated on 1 January 1899; its name was later changed to Praça Frei Baraúna (Frei Baraúna Square). That's where the Jardim dos Bichos (Animal Garden) was installed on 15 January 1916; it remained there until 1930 and featured species of the Brazilian fauna, like panthers, monkeys, deers, sloths, small crocodiles, snakes, and birds, especially macaws.

Around 1965, the City Hall of Sorocaba decided to develop a large area along the banks of the Sorocaba River and built a park for the local public. Some neighbors suggested including some animals to make it more attractive. As a result, several types of birds were initially installed; other varieties of birds followed, as well as two tufted capuchins and an aquarium, which gave birth to the second Jardim dos Bichos (Animal Garden); it was officially inaugurated in 1966 and called Jardim da Margem (River Bank Garden).

The Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros was inaugurated on 20 October 1968 in the presence of more than 2.000 people. It was set up in the rural property Quinzinho de Barros, which belonged to the family Prestes de Barros. The city of Sorocaba had acquired it by voluntary expropriation and transferred the animals from the Jardim da Margem to that location.

Museum of Zoology – Nature's Scientists Lab

Quinzinho, as the local population calls it, began to offer educational activities in 1979 due to an initiative by both the Municipal Secretary of Education and Culture and the Zoo Director. As a result, the park ceased to be a mere showcase for animals and became a classroom as well.

The Environmental Education Center was set up in 1988; it comprises a specialized library on the environment which contains both technical books and books for children, a museum of zoology, a lecture hall, as well as a dormitory for trainees who come from other cities to attend courses. The Laboratório Cientistas da Natureza (Scientists of Nature Lab) was added later to make research more popular.

Giant otter exhibit

The zoo was refurbished in 2004; it now includes state-of-the-art exhibition techniques, such as monkey pits, aviaries in which the visitors can watch the birds flying around them, as well as large glass panes that allow them to watch bears, the South American giant otter, and other species from a short distance.

In addition to the courses offered to biologists and veterinary surgeons from all over Brazil, the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoological Park is in charge of training the São Paulo Forrest Police soldiers, sergeants, and officials.