Ústí nad Labem Zoo

Ústí nad Labem Zoo is a significant zoological institution located on the edge of Krásné Březno, near the city center of Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic. Spanning 26 hectares (64 acres), the zoo provides a home to a diverse collection of animals, with a particular emphasis on rare and endangered species. It is a member of key international organizations, including the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), and the Union of Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens (UCSZ).

History and Development

The origins of Ústí nad Labem Zoo trace back to 1908 when Heinrich Lumpe, a local businessman and ornithologist, purchased 6 hectares (15 acres) of land. He established a private bird sanctuary known as Lumpepark, which featured elements such as the Little Dwarf castle, cascades, waterfalls, and a lake. The park was opened to the public in 1914. Following Lumpe's death in 1936, the park was maintained by its staff. After World War II, the Czech Republic took ownership and transformed the area into a zoo. Over time, new enclosures were built, and the park was gradually expanded to its current size of 26 hectares. In the 1970s, the zoo began modernizing its exhibits, incorporating glass barriers instead of bars and creating more spacious paddocks for the animals.

Animal Collection and Visitor Experience

Ústí nad Labem Zoo houses approximately 1,500 animals representing 240 species. A notable aspect of its collection is the participation in European Breeding Programmes, highlighting its commitment to conservation. Visitors can observe a variety of animals, including orangutans, Somali donkeys, rhinoceroses, and Malaysian sun bears. The zoo is open year-round and offers regular displays and activities such as sea lion training, elephant parades, bird of prey demonstrations, and pony rides.

Attractions and Amenities

Beyond its animal exhibits, Ústí nad Labem Zoo provides several attractions for visitors. "Children’s World" includes models of animals with slides, while the "Children’s ZOO" offers a petting zoo experience with domesticated animals. A "Dinosaur Nature Trail" features models of prehistoric creatures. To enhance accessibility, the zoo introduced ZooTrain in 2007, a tram service connecting the lower and upper entrances for a fee. Additionally, a restaurant with a separate entrance was opened in 2010, serving both zoo visitors and the general public.