Parken Zoo was opened on 3 July 1898 as one of the country's first public parks. The programme included festive speeches and entertainment by, among others, the comedian ”Mr John Gentzell from Stockholm”. The sextet Svea played on the dance floor. The entrance fee was 25 öre, but it was possible to buy a family ticket for 40 öre.
Much of Sweden's cultural and entertainment history is closely linked to Parken Zoo. The Central Organisation of Folk Parks was founded here. It was the premiere of the Folkpark Theatre. Most of the great Swedish artists and actors have performed here, as have many foreigners.
The first animals arrived in the park in the early 1950s, beginning the development that would make Parken Zoo what it is today: one of the country's most visited destinations.