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Zoos #2 in Košice

Košice Zoo

4.5 · 8,471 reviews
Expansive, naturalistic, and rugged.
Košice Zoo, Ulica k Zoologickej záhrade 1, 040 01 Kavečany, Slovakia
Interesting facts
1

The zoo’s expansive 288-hectare area makes it the largest zoological garden in Central Europe.

2

The facility is home to the largest brown bear breeding group in the region.

3

It features a dedicated DinoPark section that features mechanical life-sized dinosaur replicas.

4

The zoo is situated in a deep valley, providing a natural habitat that feels more like a nature reserve than a traditional urban cage-based zoo.

5

It participates in several European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP) for the conservation of specific Asian and European wildlife.

6

The zoo's hilly landscape requires significant walking and provides varied microclimates for different species.

Overview

Košice Zoo is the largest zoological garden in Central Europe by total area, encompassing approximately 288 hectares of hilly terrain in the Kavečany district. It specializes in the preservation of European and Asian fauna, housing over 200 species and thousands of individual animals. The facility features a large-scale bear enclosure that is among the biggest in the continent, providing a naturalistic habitat for brown bears. Visitors can traverse an extensive network of trails through a forested valley environment. The zoo functions as a significant botanical site due to the integration of the natural woodland landscape into the animal exhibits. It also hosts a dedicated DinoPark exhibit showcasing life-sized prehistoric models.

Photo spot

The elevated viewing platform overlooking the large brown bear enclosure.

Insider tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the park covers a large area with hilly, unpaved terrain.

Bring water and snacks, as the distance between exhibits is significant and food options are concentrated near the entrance.

Check the DinoPark section schedule, as it may operate on different seasonal requirements than the main zoo.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter of the zoo without a proper map, as the sprawling size can cause exhaustion.

Good to know

The DinoPark section is seasonal and generally closed during the winter months.

Etiquette

Maintain silence near animal enclosures, stay on marked paths, and do not feed the animals.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-5 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn, when the hilly forested trails are most comfortable for long-duration walking.
Address
Košice Zoo, Ulica k Zoologickej záhrade 1, 040 01 Kavečany, Slovakia
48.784, 21.204
Get directions
Details
Key animalsBrown bears, Siberian tigers, Hucul horses
Special exhibitDinoPark

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn, when the hilly forested trails are most comfortable for long-duration walking..

The elevated viewing platform overlooking the large brown bear enclosure.

Close by you'll find Observation Tower Košice, Košice Children's railway, Saint Elisabeth's Cathedral.