CZ: ZOO Chleby – A Tip for a Family Trip

ZOO Chleby is one of the smallest zoos in the Czech Republic and also it is the first private zoo in the Czech Republic. Unlike large zoos it gained popularity thanks to its close relationship to its animals. Despite really small area you can spend there a whole afternoon with children or without. The ticket prices are also good – 90 crowns for adults.

The zoo was founded in 1997 and originally it consisted of private bird collection, but later many other animals were added including freshwater aquarium. Gradually more and more animals were added and today about 70 species of animals were added.

So, what one can see here?

The largest concentration of the smallest visitors was right behind the entrance gate by a fence with tortoises. Tortoises were unbelievably tamed, children petted them. Right next to tortoises there were guinea pigs and animals similar to them.

Perhaps the longest time we spent in a corner with goats, sheep, lamas, buffalos, and pigs. To be certain, we stayd behind the fence and observed our little one as she fed all animals with feed bought at the cash box. In the exotic bird area we had seen many color parrots, one of them greeted everyone who told him HELLO.

For a short time there are three mantled guerezas – black and white monkey. Also there is a domesticated female cheetah, a gibbon family, a unique exhibition of the River Labe and local fish and even waterman. Recently, a unique pavilion for meerkats, bushmen. This particular exhibition created the largest interest among the visitors, however, the animals were just sleeping in warm summer weather.

Visitors may also feed beasts of prey and porcupines; more courageous visitors may have a picture with a parrot. Except living animals you can see even life-size statues of some extinct. There are also many rare plants, such as 15 species of bamboo.

Little visitors have also facilities design to fulfill their needs (sandpit and small playground), for young and grownups there is a small outdoor restaurant with a pergola, where they will serve you a simple meal in all kind of weather. There are many benches to serve for visitors’ rest and on grass areas around the zoo you may have a picnic.

On weekend, there are guids with commentary, in the cash box you can buy some classic souvenirs – postcards, tourist stamps and also a great number of stuffed toys in various sizes.

Sure, we will return gladly to the zoo in Chleby. We spent a nice afternoon there and our little daughter was happy about it. I sincerely recommend it to everyone.

Text/photo: Pavlína Rouhová