The Novosibirsk Zoo is one of the largest and best-regarded zoos in Russia, occupying a forested site on the southwestern edge of the city. It has a serious scientific mission alongside the public attraction: the zoo is known internationally for its breeding programme for snow leopards and has successfully bred several generations of this endangered Central Asian big cat. It also keeps Siberian tigers, amur leopards, and a collection of Arctic animals that are impressive in the context of Siberia's own extreme climate.
The zoo is large enough to take a half day and is genuinely well run — the enclosures are spacious and the animal welfare appears to be taken seriously. Get there by metro to the Zolotaya Niva station and then bus; it is not walkable from the centre. Worth visiting if you are spending more than a day in the city, especially with children.