ZOO Liberec

It is the ZOO Liberec, which was founded in 1919 and today enjoys great popularity. But once it wasn't easy at all.

The complete beginnings of the garden, or rather the zoo corner in Lidový sady, date back to 1904. At that time, the ornithological association built a large public aviary here, which was later expanded and supplemented by roe deer enclosures. A year after the First World War, the zoo was converted into a real zoo, until 1931 the only one in our country. During the First Republic, a bear enclosure, a swimming pool for sea lions or a pavilion for large carnivores were built, among other things. The zoo survived World War II relatively well, but paradoxically, worse times came after it ended. With the arrival of the new director in 1954, everything turned for the better again, but it still took another twenty years before the garden reached prominence, where it remains to this day. Some buildings from the seventies and eighties of the last century still serve, but most of the garden has been modernized and meets the expectations of today's demanding visitor.

The Liberec Zoo currently breeds about 170 species of animals in a total number of over 1000 animals. Among the most interesting species are the white Indian tigers, which the zoo has been breeding since 1994. Elephant breeding in Liberec has a tradition of almost sixty years, with which it is celebrating great success here. The zoo is the only one in Europe to keep monumental Chinese takinos. Great pride is also one of the widest collections of birds of prey on the old continent. For example, a large group of chimpanzees, red pandas, giraffes, zebras, sea lions and felines such as leopards, lions, lynx and cheetahs are very popular with visitors.

ZOO Liberec offers a pleasant time for the whole family. The exposition of animals is complemented by numerous refreshments, a children's corner with a contact zoo, climbing frames, toy cars and a train.

An interesting program is the caregiver at the zoo, where every person over the age of 18 can experience one working day in their own part of the zoo. You can use it, for example, as an unconventional gift for a loved one.

Author: Martina Limbergová

Photo author: Monika Pelcová