Prepare to be dazzled because I unearthed a hidden gem right here in Olomouc: the Zoophilist's dream, also known as Olomouc's ZOO.
Is it worth visiting? Is just like any other ZOO? Is it big and has any attraction?
Yes. Yes. Yes. All true, it is amazing and I am not exaggerate.
Now, you might be asking yourself:
Is it worth a visit?
Is it just like any other zoo?
Does it have any special attractions?
Well, let me tell you, it's a resounding yes to all those questions!
This place is nothing short of amazing, and I'm not even exaggerating.
First things first, let's talk about how to get there. It's a breeze, really. You can hop on a train to a nearby village or catch a bus that drops you off just 500 meters from the entrance. But here's the kicker: if you're between the ages of 15 and 60 and fancy a stroll, you can easily walk from Olomouc itself. It's about a 2-hour walk, but it's a delightful one. And while you're at it, why not make a pit stop to admire the breathtaking Baroque Basilica atop Svaty Kopeček hill? The story behind its creation is just as fascinating as the structure itself:
In the early 16th century, a man from Olomouc promised the Virgin Mary he would build a church for her, but he didn't do it, so she reminded him of his promise twice in his dreams. He built a small chapel in her name. Later, it was damaged in the Thirty Years' War, and the final blow came from Swedish soldiers who stayed in Olomouc, so it was totally destroyed. Later, in the second half of the same century, they rebuilt the beautiful basilica on the same spot.
Let's get back to the ZOO.
Admission prices are a steal, with adults paying only 160 crowns (roughly 6.4 euros) and students getting in for just 120 crowns (less than 5 euros).
And guess what?
You can pay by cash or card, so no excuses😁
Now, I must warn you, there are some construction works going on, but if you visit during the summer, it's bound to be amazing. I highly recommend starting your ZOO adventure at the giraffe pavilion. You won't believe the perspective you get when you're face-to-face with these animals. And if reptiles are your thing, there's plenty to see, though I must admit, they're not exactly my cup of tea.
Oh, and don't even get me started on the monkey pavilion! These little guys are an absolute riot, and depending on their mood, you can observe them from both inside and outside their enclosures. Except for one sad-looking monkey who kinda put a damper on the experience, poor thing😓
Next up, the lion pavilion is a must-visit. Lions, jaguars, and even an aquarium with a crocodile and a shark – need I say more?
But my personal favorite has to be the sea lions, they're just a barrel of laughs!
I could go on and on about all the animals I saw – from llamas and camels to wolves and kangaroos – but let's not turn this into a novel! Just know that there's something for everyone here, including a bat cave where you can have bats swooping around you (watch out for your head!) and a safari area where you can mingle with the animals.
When you've worked up an appetite, fear not! The ZOO has plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can refuel with everything from pizza and burgers to fried cheese and sausages. And let me tell you, the prices won't break the bank – I mean, where else can you get a cup of coffee for just 35 crowns?
So, my fellow zoophilists, I implore you to pay a visit to this incredible place. Trust me, you won't regret it. And while you're at it, take a moment to soak in the beauty and charm of Olomouc – it's truly something special. Until next time!
With Love
TP💗