Belgrade Zoo

Belgrade Zoo, officially known as Beo zoo vrt and also referred to as the Garden of Good Hope (Vrt dobre nade), is a significant zoological institution located within the historic Kalemegdan Park in Belgrade, Serbia. Founded on July 12, 1936, it stands as the largest zoological garden in Serbia and is a popular destination, drawing approximately 400,000 visitors annually.

History and Development

The concept of a zoo in Belgrade has roots extending back to the 18th century during the Austrian occupation, when the Duke of Württemberg established a collection of wild animals. However, the modern Belgrade Zoological Garden was officially established in 1936. Initially spanning 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres), the zoo has since expanded to approximately 14 hectares (35 acres) at its peak, though its current operational size is listed as 7 hectares (17 acres).

Throughout its history, the zoo has endured significant challenges. It suffered extensive damage from bombings during World War II, leading to substantial loss of infrastructure and animals. The zoo also faced periods of neglect in the 1980s, but efforts by figures like sculptor Vuk Bojović, who served as director for many years, led to improvements in animal welfare, the introduction of new species such as great apes and white tigers, and a return to profitability.

Discussions and plans for relocating the zoo have been a recurring theme, with various locations proposed over the decades. In recent years, a plan to relocate the zoo to the Ada Safari section of Ada Ciganlija island has been announced, which would involve doubling its size, though this project has faced public and expert criticism.

Animals and Exhibits

Belgrade Zoo currently houses a diverse collection of around 800 animals, representing approximately 210 species. Its animal inhabitants span mammals, birds, and reptiles. Some of the species featured include Parma wallabies, red kangaroos, Asian elephants, African lions, Bengal tigers, zebras, giraffes, various monkeys, and a range of bird species like ostriches, flamingos, and penguins.

One of the zoo's most celebrated features is its collection of white lions, a species that holds symbolic importance for Belgrade. The zoo was the first in Europe to house white lions, receiving its first pair in 2005 and achieving success in breeding them. The penguin enclosure, opened in 2019, is another popular exhibit. The zoo also maintains a petting zoo area with domestic animals, which was reopened in 2019 and includes a coffee shop and playground.

Notable Individuals

Among the zoo's most famous residents is Muja, an American alligator who is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living alligator in captivity. Arriving in 1937, his exact age is unknown, but he has been a long-standing fixture at the zoo. The zoo also commemorates Gabi, a German Shepherd that saved her handler from an escaped jaguar in 1987, with a statue. Sami, a chimpanzee who gained notoriety after escaping the enclosure shortly after his arrival in 1988, is also remembered with a statue.

Looking towards the future, the zoo's director has outlined plans to enhance visitor education and animal care, including the development of a new veterinary clinic and education center, alongside renovations to existing enclosures and the introduction of new ones.