Adventure at Plzeň Zoo

The Plzeň Zoo which regularly ranks among the most visited in the country, is a true highlight among Czech attractions. Covering 21 hectares, it is home to over 1,300 animal species and around 9,000 plant species.

The heart and philosophy of the zoo is its unique biopark concept, which was introduced in 1996. Animals and plants are grouped according to their native geographical regions. This deliberate design creates holistic environments that allow visitors to journey through the continents.

The History of the Plzeň Zoo

The zoo’s history began in 1926 in the Doudlevce district, not far from the city center. It was founded by the nature association IRIS on the occasion of its 25th anniversary—a gift to itself and to the city.

Initially, there were only a few animals: monkeys, jackals, and foxes. However, over the following ten years, the collection grew steadily. By 1936, there were already 70 animals, including deer, a bear, a lion, and a leopard.

A turning point in the zoo’s history occurred with an outbreak of anthrax in September 1961. The zoo could not continue to exist in this way; the site had to close, and the remaining animals had to be moved.

In 1963, the zoo opened its doors at its current, far more spacious location in the Lochotín district. Another decisive step followed in 1981 with the merger of the zoo and the already existing Botanical Garden. With this union, the official name “Zoologická a botanická zahrada města Plzně” (Zoological and Botanical Garden of the City of Plzeň) was introduced.

Until the 1990s, the zoo was considered rather unattractive and was characterized by outdated enclosures, despite notable breeding successes with flamingos or hyenas. That changed in 1996 when the zoo was converted into the zoogeographical biopark.

The conversion of the enclosures began, focusing on animal welfare. The iron bars gradually disappeared and natural habitats, separated by moats, were simulated. For example, island enclosures without visible fences were created for the primates, and for the bears, there is a one-hectare enclosure characterized by trees.

These changes have made the Plzeň Zoo one of the leading zoological institutions in Europe.

More than just a walk: Welcome to the Zoo Safari!

We spent several hours at the Plzeň Zoo, and I was truly surprised by the size of the grounds. What I also really liked was the integration of the natural geographical features. For example, there are animal enclosures located on a slope and so densely wooded that you really have to search for the animals. If an animal wants its peace and quiet here, it can surely find a hidden spot.

The grounds are divided into different geographical zones and are also visually designed to match. Time and again, you find designed viewing platforms whose design fits the respective region. For example, you might stand in a bird-watching hide and can observe the flamingos in peace.

Safari Stop in Africa: Giraffes and Zebras Up Close

Right behind the main entrance, the African section of the zoo awaited us. This is one of the most spacious and diverse areas of the zoo and transported us to the vastness of the savanna, the dense forests, and the mysterious world of the night.

African Savanna
This spacious outdoor enclosure simulates the open grassland and is home to Rothschild’s giraffes, Chapman’s zebras, white rhinos, and various antelope species.

Predators of the Plains
In specially designed enclosures, we could observe the Sudan cheetah. A special highlight is the enclosure for the Barbary lions, a subspecies that is extinct in the wild and whose conservation in zoos is of crucial importance.

Mysterious World of theAfrican Night
This fascinating noctarium is located in a former predator house. Here, visitors can observe nocturnal animals.

Asian Garden: An Oasis of Calm

The Asian section of the zoo is characterized by a mix of impressive large animals, delicate gardens, and rare island inhabitants

Giants of India
The Plzeň Zoo is the only zoo in the Czech Republic that keeps Indian rhinoceroses. They take turns sharing their enclosure with a group of blackbuck antelope. During our visit, the antelopes were the ones out in the enclosure.

Primate Islands
Islands, bordered only by moats, offer lion-tailed macaques and white-cheeked gibbons a life almost like in the wild. We had to search quite a bit until we finally discovered a mother monkey with her young in a tree.

Siberian Wilderness
A spacious enclosure houses the Siberian tigers. A wooden cabin, the “Siberian Forest,” displays typical bird species of the taiga, such as the crossbill.

Japanese Garden
The Japanese rock garden forms the spiritual and aesthetic center of the Asian section. An atmosphere of tranquility is created here, making the visit a holistic experience.

Animals of the Homeland

While the zoo presents the wonders of the world, it does not forget the nature and history on its own doorstep.

European Forests
This area is dominated by the huge, one-hectare brown bear enclosure. One of the bears was lying right here in the warming sun. Next to it are the enclosures for European wolves and wisent (European bison), which were also once native to the Bohemian forests. These enclosures are particularly ideal for the animals. They have countless places to retreat and did not make it easy for us to spot them.

The Czech River
This extraordinary exhibition showcases the local ecosystem. In large aquariums, visitors can observe native freshwater fish such as catfish, carp, and pike, while playful otters live in an adjacent enclosure.

Unique Pavilions

Beyond the large geographical zones, the zoo offers a range of special pavilions and enclosures.

The Underground World
Quite by chance, I saw a sign that drew our attention to this very special place. The door to a building looked very much closed, and hardly any visitors went inside. For me, it was one of the highlights of the zoo visit in Plzeň.

In the rooms, we could first view a small exhibition. It explained the original purpose of the adjacent facility located in the rock. This was once the site of an army bunker from the Second World War.

Today, this area is used completely differently. Nocturnal and subterranean animals such as reptiles and insects live here. Terrariums are partially built into the rock, but there are also entire corridor sections where the animals could be seen behind a glass door. You can imagine my shock when rats and bats suddenly ran towards me, and I only noticed the glass door afterward.

Madagascar Pavilion
The Plzeň Zoo is the only one in the Czech Republic that dedicates an entire pavilion to the unique fauna and flora of Madagascar. Over ten lemur species live here, including the rare Alaotra gentle lemur, as well as geckos, iguanas, and other endemic species from the island.

The Kingdom of Venom
A tropical pavilion houses an impressive collection of the world’s most venomous snakes. It offers fascinating, yet safe, insights into the world of venomous animals.

Flamingos
My feel-good place at the Plzeň Zoo was by the flamingos. We could already hear the beautiful animals and see them from a distance as we approached the enclosure. Quite by chance, I opened the door of a small house. It was set up inside like a bird-watching station.

Lüftnerka Farm: A Step into the Rural Past

On a hill within the zoo grounds lies the Lüftnerka Farm, a living museum that transports visitors back to 19th-century rural Bohemia.

The farm is a replica of a historical homestead and offers a welcome change from the exotic animals in the other zoo areas.

The focus of the farm is the conservation of traditional Czech domestic animal breeds. Visitors can admire the Czech-Moravian Belgian draft horse and Czech Red cattle here, as well as various breeds of goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry. The farm is especially popular with families with children. A petting zoo allows direct contact with goats and sheep.

The farm’s buildings house exhibitions documenting life in the 19th century. Historical furniture, tools, and folk art provide a picture of the farmers’ daily lives. A separate exhibition is dedicated to horse breeding and displays historical carriages and harnesses.

Tip: From a small viewing platform, you have a great view of Plzeň!

Time Travel to the Dinos: Roaring Good Adventures in the DinoPark

The DinoPark Plzeň is located directly adjacent to the zoo. A separate ticket is required for the visit.

Dozens of prehistoric reptile models, many of them animated and with sound effects, populate the park. Highlights include a fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex and a 23-meter-long Apatosaurus.

A 3D cinema, with admission included in the ticket price, shows a film produced specially for the DinoPark, taking visitors on an adventurous journey into prehistoric times.

A paleontological playground, where children can excavate “dinosaur bones,” climbing frames, and other attractions like the “DinoHurricane” provide fun and activity.

Visitor Information

Address

Pod Vinicemi 9,
301 00 Plzeň

Our visit to the zoo was made possible by Pilsen Tourism and the Pilsen Zoo.