At the time, there was no zoo in the Iberian Peninsula with the responsibility of displaying the exotic flora and fauna of the world, although both Spain and Portugal had hosted menageries before.

The idea for the zoo was solidified by Dr. Van Der Laan, Dr. Sousa Martins, and May Figueira, owner of the largest aviary in the Portugal at the time.

They recruited the help of civil engineer Lino Bento de Sousa, 2nd Baron of Kessler Frederico Luís Hermano, and even D. Fernando II, along with several others.

This new property stood in stark contrast to the beautiful land on which the old zoo had rested, that of which the public had become so accustomed to.

During this period, the zoo began selling and exporting animals, of which it had in excess, in order to balance the park's finances.

This process was facilitated by the National Navigation Company which provided free transportation for the animals, and who also helped to bring new species to the zoo.

In 1912 Lisbon Zoo administration commissioned architect Raul Lino to develop its new gardens and animal facilities further recognizing the importance of its presence in the city.

The park has 7 dolphins : Soda (F), Kobie (F), Victoria (F), Neo (M), Yuky (M), Sado (M) and Ricky (M).