Košice Zoo
Košice Region
Košice Zoo, located in the Kavečany borough of Košice, Slovakia, spans an impressive 292 hectares, making it the largest zoo in Slovakia and the third largest in Europe. Established in 1979 and opened to the public in 1985, it initially covered just 7 hectares with 23 species. Today, about 75 hectares are accessible to visitors, including a popular Slovak Jurassic Park and several educational trails such as botanical, bird, beekeeping, and geological paths. The zoo houses roughly 1,200 animals across 280 species, focusing mainly on Eurasian fauna but also featuring species from other continents. Notably, it has the largest aviary and brown bear enclosure in Central Europe. The zoo is active in conservation and breeding programs, including the successful breeding of Hucul horses, brown bears (notably a Guinness World Record litter of five cubs in 2002), lynx, and Przewalski's horses, some of which have been reintroduced into the wild. Košice Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and serves as a center for ecological education with facilities like its ecological education center in downtown Košice. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as a petting zoo, restaurants, and interactive exhibits, making it a family-friendly destination that attracts about 250,000 visitors annually.
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Astuce: The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or during the early morning hours. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is recommended during peak seasons. Take advantage of guided feeding sessions and educational programs for a richer experience. Public transport line 29 provides direct access to the zoo's final stop. Families with young children can benefit from the petting zoo and nursing mother facilities. Check the official website for seasonal events and special offers.
Faits intéressants
- •Košice Zoo is the largest zoo in Slovakia and the third largest in Europe by area.
- •In 2002, the zoo bred a litter of five brown bear cubs, recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- •The zoo houses about 1,200 animals representing 280 species, including rare species like Przewalski's horses and Siberian ibex.
- •It features the largest aviary and brown bear enclosure in Central Europe.
- •The zoo actively participates in international conservation programs, including reintroducing species like the Carpathian lynx into the wild.
Histoire
Planning for Košice Zoo began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with construction commencing in 1979.
It officially opened in 1985 with a modest collection of 23 species over 7 hectares.
Initially focused on Eurasian fauna, the zoo gradually expanded its collection and area, opening new facilities such as the petting zoo in 2000 and the DinoPark in 2013.
Over the decades, it evolved into a major zoological institution, becoming a member of WAZA in 2017 and expanding its role in conservation and education.
Significant milestones include the Guinness World Record for brown bear cubs born in 2002 and the establishment of various educational trails between 2011 and 2019.
In 2022, the zoo opened a new ecological education center in downtown Košice.
Guide du lieu
Slovak Jurassic Park2013
An engaging themed area within the zoo showcasing life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits, offering educational fun for visitors of all ages.
Carpathian Biom Area
A protected section of the zoo reserved for native Carpathian fauna and flora, including species like the Imperial Eagle and Black Stork, inaccessible to visitors to preserve natural habitats.
Brown Bear Enclosure
The largest brown bear habitat in Central Europe within the zoo, notable for its size and naturalistic environment, where the record-setting litter of five cubs was born in 2002.
Educational Trails2011-2019
Several themed trails including botanical, bird, beekeeping, and geological paths that educate visitors about local biodiversity and geology with interactive displays and 3D models.
Ecological Education Center2022
Opened in 2022 in downtown Košice, this center features a permanent terrarium exhibition and serves as an outreach facility to promote ecological awareness beyond the zoo grounds.
Contact
Téléphone: 055/796 80 11