The Kyoto Municipal Zoo was opened to the public on 1 April 1903 with 238 animals representing 61 species.

During the Second World War, large carnivores were killed by military order, and other animals died from hunger, malnutrition, and cold.

In 1954, the Sea Lion Pond was completed, and the zoo held its first "Summer School," attended by 180 students.

"Fairyland" was opened in 1955, an amusement park that now includes a Ferris wheel, fun train, and dodgem cars in the shape of popular characters.

[5] Animals at the zoo include lions, tigers, bears, jaguars, hippos, giraffes, zebras, deer, llamas, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, monkeys, Red pandas, tanuki, foxes, ostriches, cranes, swans, ducks, flamingos, eagles, hawks, peacocks, snakes, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.

[7] A children's zoo opened in 1955, and lets visitors watch the animals from up close and even touch them.

The publication of their findings listed Kyoto Municipal Zoo as one of the facilities in which they found concerns.