Skærup Zoo

A countryside zoo on an old Danish farm

Skærup Zoo sits in gently rolling farmland outside Børkop, built around an old property called Kobbelvang. Rather than a grand avenue and monumental entrance, you arrive to a setting that feels almost rural and informal, with paddocks, barns and tree-lined paths fanning out from the central area. The scale is intimate; paths loop in short circuits, and you can comfortably traverse the grounds several times in one visit. The farm origins still shape the atmosphere. Low buildings and wooden fences give a sense of being on a working property rather than in a polished urban park. Sheltered corners, grassy lawns and hedgerows soften the layout, so even when the zoo is busy there are pockets that feel surprisingly calm. The result is a place that feels personal and approachable, more like a large country garden with animals than a conventional city zoo.

Animal encounters up close

For many visitors the standout feature here is how near you can be to the animals. Enclosures are designed so you can observe monkeys, predators and hoofed mammals from short distances, often at eye level. Jaguars prowl behind sturdy barriers, while smaller carnivores and primates move through spaces that bring them within clear view without the distraction of long sightlines. Skærup Zoo houses more than 100 species, including several that are hard to find elsewhere in Denmark. Takins from the eastern Himalayas graze in their paddock, and there is a changing cast of other unusual species that underline the zoo’s focus on diversity. The collection mixes classic zoo favourites with lesser-known animals, encouraging you to move slowly, read signs and compare behaviours rather than racing from star to star.

Playgrounds, petting animals and slow family time

Children are especially well catered for. Near the animal areas you find playgrounds suited to different ages, with climbing structures and space to burn off energy between enclosures. Their placement means adults can still glimpse nearby animals while kids play, keeping the zoo experience continuous rather than segmented. Close to the entrance, a petting zone brings you face to face with goats and sheep, which you can feed using special pellets bought on site. Hooves on wooden platforms, gentle bleats and the earthy smell of hay create a classic farmyard mood. On weekends, holidays and public holidays, extra activities such as pony rides or keeper-led presentations add structure to the day, turning a simple walk around the park into a fuller programme.

Food breaks and leafy corners to linger

Skærup Zoo is set up for long, relaxed pauses. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, often shaded by trees or tucked beside animal paddocks. You are welcome to bring your own food, and there is also a kiosk and small café area selling simple meals, snacks, drinks and ice cream. Many families base themselves at one table and radiate out on short animal-viewing forays. The overall pace is unhurried. Without long distances between exhibits, time naturally expands for observation: watching monkeys negotiate branches, jaguars settle into a patch of sun, or hoofed animals sharing a hayrack. It is easy to spend an hour simply alternating between a bench, an enclosure window and a playground without feeling you are missing anything essential.

Conservation, rarity and accessibility

Behind the informal feel lies a clear emphasis on animal care and awareness. A notable proportion of the collection consists of species not commonly seen in other Danish zoos, and the park participates in efforts to maintain populations of threatened animals. Informational boards next to many enclosures outline habitats, behaviours and conservation status in straightforward language. Accessibility is woven into the design: the paths are mostly level and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and the zoo recognises companion cards for visitors who need assistance. Dogs are not allowed, protecting both animals and guests. With its modest size and clear routes, Skærup Zoo works well as a manageable half-day visit that leaves time for other East Jutland sights, while still offering enough layers of detail to reward a slower, more curious exploration.