Ostrava Zoo - nature within hand's reach

The Ostrava Zoo was founded in 1951. It covers an area of 100 ha and is the home to 360 different species of animals. African hoofed animals (giraffes and zebras), predators and parrots, chimpanzees, lemurs, elephants, rhinoceroses and many other interesting animals attract large numbers of visitors.
During the summer months, falcon performances are staged there, in winter a special attraction is the feeding of elephants. If there is enough snow, visitors may go cross-country skiing directly inside the Zoo. One of the most popular attractions is the seasonal, commented feeding of animals, evening guided tours and a number of accompanying events, not only for children (Children’s Day, lampion parades, decoration of the Christmas tree, etc). There are several children’s corners inside the Zoo compound.
Gradually, barriers that had prevented easy access for the handicapped have been removed. In 2007, a Botanical Park was opened adding 3 new botanical paths linking up directly with the zoological expositions. Year later new pens for cranes and red pandas were built. The ZOO long waited to see the first night exposition as well as the first sea aquarium. Exposition called „Malá Amazonie“ was opened in 2009 where capuchin and squirrel monkies as well as tropical spiders and frogs can be seen. New modern playground within the ZOO with lots of recreational equipment shall please all children.
In place of the original children's Zoo a new pavilion with domestic animals was erected. The biggest construction project of 2010 is undoubtedly the "Citvan" exposition - a large complex for Asian black bears and Northern plains gray langurs with an additional pavilion for Asian small-clawed otters as well as two large aquariums housing fishes of Nepali rivers.
2011 saw the opening of the new hippo pavilion and the new Papua pavilion showcasing reptiles and fishes is coming up soon. The area of the old bear pit which is to be pulled down will in the future be utilized for a construction of a new modern exhibit giving home to species attractive to visitors and so far unseen in Ostrava Zoo - penguins and seals.