Simferopol Zoo is an old-fashioned city zoo with a broad collection of animals, including camels, deer, bears, wolves, big cats, monkeys, and bison. It is not polished by western European standards, but it remains a straightforward family stop near the centre.
Go with realistic expectations: the appeal is local atmosphere and a break from churches, museums, and monuments, not cutting-edge conservation design. It works best as a short visit with children or as part of a wander through the greener side of central Simferopol.