Zoo

There isn’t a nicer zoo for a family visit. Decin Zoo is nestled on the wooded slope of Pastyrska Stena (“Shepherds Bluff”). An abundance of interactive and educational elements engages visitors of all ages. There are learning trails, plenty of play stations, a big jungle gym in the shape of a castle, and a petting zoo. It is the only zoo in the country with a resident Grizzly bear. And visitors will encounter many other interesting creatures: the giant anteater, the clouded leopard, the vicuña llama, the Mishmi takin, the South American tapir, the Visayan warty pig, the West Caucasian tur, the maragay, the crested black macaque, the Canadian porcupine, Prince Alfred’s spotted deer, the red-necked wallaby, the fishing cat, and many others… Popular attractions include the bird house and the local fauna exhibit.

The zoo opened in 1949, the second in northern Bohemia. Today it focuses primarily on endangered and lesser-known species. There are almost 450 animals here representing 150 species.

Paradise Islands Exhibit

Rajske ostrovy (“Paradise islands”) is a remote exhibition of the zoo located on Teplicka ulice in the heart of town, about 700 meters from the main zoo gates. This unique expo invites visitors to experience the flora and fauna of tropical rainforests, desert habitats, and mangrove coasts in an exhibit space spread over four storeys. Visitors can see the common clownfish, the red lionfish, the Cuban rock iguana, Weber’s sailfin lizard, the pygmy slow loris, the peacock-eye stingray, and the Indian rock python.

Hours

Note: The ticket office closes half an hour before the end of operating hours.

Entry fees

Please note: On the first Friday in June the zoo closes early (5 pm), due to the international fundraising event Night of Dreams. On that day tickets are on sale until 4 pm.

With your zoo ticket, you can visit the Paradise Islands exhibit at no extra charge! The offer is valid on the day of your visit to the zoo. It works the other way around too; if you start your day with a visit to Paradise Islands and then continue to the zoo, you’ll pay only the difference in admissions at the zoo gate.

More information is available on the zoo website.