The Moscow Zoo is the largest and oldest zoo in Russia. It was founded in 1864 by a group of biologists. In 1922, the ownership was transferred to the city of Moscow and has remained under Moscow´s control ever since. The Moscow zoo has over 6000 animals from more than 1000 species and covers an area of about 21.5 hectares. The zoo studies animals behaviour, feeding and reproduction and breeds rare endangered species.