SK, Orechová Potôň – Charming Malkia Park

Accessibility by car is excellent, but if you prefer bus or train, the final stop will be Dunajska Streda. The train connection is also provided by the village of Orechová Potôň, but the park is less than 5 km away, with local taxis. This is probably the only obstacle that it pays to overcome.

Malkia Park is opened seasonaly on Saturdays and Sundays. You can meet real wilderness from June 4, 2016. The animals come mostly from captivity, from circuses or from inappropriate conditions, but careful staff try to create a dignified life without suffering. And that it is visible, we have seen with our own eyes!

Immediately after entering, you can expect curious meerkats, amazing parrots, owls and other birds. Thanks to glass enclosures and a small fabric fence near the water surface, not only adults but also the smallest ones can enjoy immediate contact. Each paddock is thematic and made to make the animals feel as comfortable as possible. After buying a ticket, you can buy more animal feeds and enrich yourself with a unique experience.

Animals are very active, playful and do not hide, as we are usually accustomed to from classical zoos. From the "bird peninsula" we come to the real kingdom of the beast. Brick and glass enclosures are full of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, features, bombs and cheetahs, all enjoying the relative freedom of movement in the beautiful jungle setting. They do not miss the prospects, areas for rest or climbing frames. A little further away, monkeys (lemurs, gibboni, malpas), huge turtles or peacocks are here to be seen.

Even ungulates (zebras, camels, donkeys, llamas, sheep), who are grateful diners and they will pose for your camera. Disinfection stands are a good thing to clean your hands around these parts.

The finish of the circuit trail is dedicated to children. Here they will find toys, playgrounds, swings and trampolines. In case of bad weather, there is also an indoor children's play area. There are also souvenirs and two restaurants offering excellent food and drinks.

Malkia Park also includes bears, wolves, goats, kangaroos, camels, buffalo and other animals. There is order and beauty everywhere. There are also commented feeds, where you can find lots of interesting things. The park also offers an evening tour or accommodation where you have a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of exotic animals throughout the day.

At the end of our walk, we have to pay tribute to this unique place, which provides home for large felines and other animals. All the money raised from the entrance fee or from other activities is intended to improve the park, which is unparalleled in Slovakia. If you have a trip around, be sure to stop by.

GPS: 48°02'47.6"N 17°33'48.8"E

Text and photos: Oskár Mažgút