Every autumn, we try to visit Zagreb ZOO. It is probably the best time to visit this beautiful park although it is pretty in all seasons. It is located in the famous city park Maksimir and opened to general public since 1925.
Maksimir was named after bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovec who initiated the construction of the park back in 1787. although the modern day look of the park was given through several restorations and interventions through the 19th century. Maksimir is today part of the city even though it was on the very outskirts when completed. It is a very popular hang out for city folks but mostly because of it’s very nice ZOO.
Zagreb ZOO is still in several ways outdated and “classical” ZOO with many animals being kept behind the bars and in small enclosements. However, the big reconstruction was started in 1990 and since then, it is becoming a very nice, animal – friendly place. Just to get those big cats out of the cages and I will be more comfortable being there and seeing all these animals.
Zagreb ZOO is actually quite small when compared to other ZOOs I have been to but is very, very nice and offers quite a pleasant walk among animals. My favorite part was always the Lion Bridge and I had a photo taken at this spot when I was 5…
Zagreb ZOO also has a great educational purpose with numerous programs and raising awareness of protecting natural habitats and endangered species.
And especially popular are the monkeys living in a very classy monkey house!
Another attraction of the ZOO are the sea lions and they always attract crowds… The ZOO is usually not crowded but this day (Oct. 8th) , there were 10 000 tickets sold and that was the busiest day on record!
The latest attraction is a baby tapir Boni born this past September! It still has baby spots!
Zagreb Zoo is a great place to spend a nice several hours enjoying beautiful animals in a very relaxing setting.
The ZOO info:
OPENING HOURS
Zoo: from 9:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. (till 4 PM in Nov, Dec. and Jan.) and till 8 PM (from May. to Aug.)
Ticket office: from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.
TICKET PRICES
ADULTS – 30 Kunas
CHILDREN (ages 7 – 14) – 20 Kunas
CHILDREN (under 7) – free
ANIMAL FEEDING SCHEDULE
SEA
LION: 11:30 AM; 2:30 PM
; 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM
SEALS: 11:00 AM; 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
OTTERS: 11:15 AM; 3:15 PM and 5:15 PM
For more information visit the official web site: http://www.zgzoo.com/en/
I don’t usually think of the October 8th holiday as being so important in Croatia – is it even a bank holiday? I guess people take the day off work, which is the reason for it being the busiest day on record. The monkey house is fantastic!
October 8th is the Independence day in Croatia.