Plzeň Zoo, Plzeň Travel Guide

Plzeň Zoo, officially known as the Zoological and Botanical Garden of the City of Plzeň, is a captivating destination in western Bohemia. Founded in 1926, it's the second oldest zoo in the Czech Republic. The zoo has been in its current location since 1963, merging with the botanical garden in 1981 to create a unique zoogeographical nature park.Home to over 1,300 species and around 6,500 animals, Plzeň Zoo specializes in island fauna and flora, showcasing rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including the popular "Czech River" exhibit featuring otters and catfish. The zoo is divided into geographical regions, such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, each with unique exhibits and museums.Plzeň Zoo actively participates in conservation programs, focusing on saving endangered species and controlling illegal trade. The zoo supports projects in the Philippines, Africa, Madagascar, and Iran, among others.Beyond its animal exhibits, Plzeň Zoo features a botanical section, complete with a Japanese meditation garden. Visitors can also enjoy falconry shows, commented feedings, and a tourist train that travels around the zoo. For those seeking a prehistoric adventure, the neighboring DinoPark offers life-size models of dinosaurs, a 3D cinema, and a paleontological playground.