The “Shymkent State Zoo” had its inception through the resolution of the Shymkent Regional Executive Committee on December 11, 1979, marking the establishment of a significant cultural and educational institution. This notable endeavor is intricately linked with the name of Asanbay Askarov, a revered Kazakh figure with the esteemed title of Hero of Socialist Labor, who also served as the first secretary of the regional party committee.

Asanbay Askarov’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership paved the way for the creation of this substantial zoo, a valuable asset to our city. The official birthday of the zoo is celebrated on April 29, 1980, and in its initial years, the zoo boasted a collection of 75 species and 350 animals. Since its inception, the zoo’s collection has continued to expand, enriching the experience for countless visitors.