The camels at this zoo were originally brought to the site to symbolize the 'Croatian Sahara' moniker given to the surrounding sandy dunes.
The Đurđevac Sands are a protected botanical reserve, representing the only remaining area of a much larger sandy desert that once dominated the region.
The sand dunes in this area are the result of ancient river deposits from the Drava River that were rearranged by wind action over centuries.
The Old Town fortress next to the zoo was built as a defensive structure against Ottoman incursions in the 15th century.
The local sand environment hosts rare plant species, including several endemic grasses and specialized vegetation adapted to arid, sandy soil.
Croatia Sahara, officially known as the Mini Zoo at the Old Town of Đurđevac, serves as a home for camels within the unique geographical setting of the Đurđevački pijesci (Đurđevac Sands) region. The site preserves a remnant of a once-vast desert landscape in the Drava River valley, featuring stabilized sand dunes. The zoo is located directly adjacent to the historic 15th-century Old Town fortress, Stari grad Đurđevac. The resident camels are the primary attraction, often used to educate visitors about the region's historical connection to sand dunes. The park allows for walking paths through the nearby sand landscape, which acts as a protected botanical reserve. It functions as a specialized educational facility focused on the unique pedological history of the local landscape.
From the exterior wall of the Old Town fortress looking down toward the sand enclosure with the camels.
Combine your visit with a tour of the Old Town fortress museum located immediately adjacent to the camel enclosure.
Check local weather conditions as the sandy area offers very little natural shade during peak summer afternoons.
Bring binoculars if you intend to hike further into the protected sand dunes to spot local bird species.
Do not attempt to walk across the fenced-off or protected botanical zones of the sands; stay on marked paths to prevent soil erosion.
The outdoor animal areas may have restricted access during extreme weather conditions or winter months.
Maintain a respectful distance from the animals and strictly follow signage regarding feeding, as human food is prohibited for the camels.
