The park was originally established as a private animal collection for former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito.
Lanka, the resident Indian elephant, was a gift to Tito from Indira Gandhi in 1974.
The park houses rare Istrian cattle, known as Boškarin, which are indigenous to the region but integrated into the park's management.
The animal habitats are designed to allow species like llamas and zebras to roam in mixed-species social groups.
The park's layout occupies the northern part of Veliki Brijun island, taking advantage of existing Mediterranean scrubland.
Several generations of zebras have been born and raised within the park's enclosures.
The Safari Park on Veliki Brijun is a unique zoological enclosure established in the 1970s, housing non-native animal species gifted to Josip Broz Tito by international leaders. The park serves as a sanctuary for animals such as zebras, llamas, zebu, and Indian elephants, maintained in large, open-air pastures. It is located within a protected national park, emphasizing conservation and historical preservation. Visitors move through the grounds via the official tourist road train, as pedestrian access to the enclosure itself is restricted for animal safety. The area features a dedicated snack bar for visitors, contrasting the wild animal habitats with recreational facilities. This site functions as an extension of the broader Brijuni Islands landscape, which integrates historical ruins with managed wilderness.
The elevated viewing points along the path where the road train makes brief stops.
Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare when observing animals in the open pastures.
Carry a bottle of water, as shade is limited within the safari enclosure area.
Board the tourist train early in the day to secure a seat with a clear view of the enclosures.
Do not attempt to walk to the Safari Park from the main port; the distance is significant, and the island uses organized transport for a reason.
The park is only accessible via organized National Park transport; service frequency fluctuates based on seasonal visitor volume.
Do not feed the animals, do not throw objects into the enclosures, and maintain a quiet demeanor to avoid stressing the livestock.
