Zoosafari Fasanolandia
Zoosafari Fasanolandia is a large animal attraction and theme park located in Fasano, Southern Italy. It is distinguished by its extensive drive-through safari park, walk-around animal exhibits, and various theme park rides, making it a significant wildlife park in Europe.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in 1973.
- ›Located in Fasano, Apulia, Southern Italy.
- ›Covers over 150 acres.
- ›Features a drive-through safari park and walk-around animal areas.
- ›Includes the only male African elephant and polar bears in Italy.
- ›The second largest wildlife park in Europe.
Safari Park, Tropical Room, Pedonal Zoological Trail, Lake of the Large Mammals, Ornithological Exhibit, Penguin House, Dolphinarium
African Elephant, Polar Bears
About Zoosafari Fasanolandia
Zoosafari Fasanolandia is a significant animal attraction and theme park situated in Fasano, within the Apulia region of Southern Italy. Established in 1973, it is recognized as the second-largest wildlife park in Europe and is notable for its expansive drive-through safari experience, allowing visitors to observe a diverse array of wildlife from their own vehicles.
History and Features
The park is strategically located on a Mediterranean hillside overlooking the sea and covers an area exceeding 150 acres. Zoosafari Fasanolandia is distinguished by housing the only male African elephant and polar bears found in Italy. The park has experienced challenges, including a flood in December 2013 that necessitated the rescue of animals. In recent years, concerns have been raised by animal rights activists regarding the welfare of polar bears during hot weather, leading to public petitions.
Zoological Exhibits
The primary attraction is the Safari Park, where visitors encounter species such as mouflon, various deer, barbary sheep, bongo, sitatunga, water buffalo, African lions, tigers, Asiatic black bears, macaques, elephants, giraffes, bison, elands, Arabian oryx, and numerous other hoofed animals, birds, and camelids. The safari concludes with a lake featuring flamingos, cranes, storks, ibises, and peacocks.
Beyond the safari, Zoosafari Fasanolandia offers a pedestrian zoo experience. The Tropical Room exhibits alligators, terrapins, snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphibians, and fish. The Pedonal Zoological Trail, accessible by a special train, showcases primates like gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons, and lemurs, as well as leopards and black panthers. Other areas include the Lake of the Large Mammals, home to seals, sea lions, brown bears, polar bears, hippopotamuses, and white rhinos; an Ornithological Exhibit with tropical birds; a Penguin House; and a Dolphinarium featuring bottle-nosed dolphins.
Theme Park Components
Complementing its zoological offerings, Zoosafari Fasanolandia incorporates a theme park with various rides. These include a log flume, roller coasters, ghost trains, and dodgem cars. Notably, one of its roller coasters, the Eurofighter, features a 97-degree drop.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zoosafari Fasanolandia?
Zoosafari Fasanolandia is an animal attraction and theme park in Fasano, Southern Italy. It features a drive-through safari park, walk-around animal areas, animal shows, and several rides.
When was Zoosafari Fasanolandia established?
The park opened its doors in 1973.
How large is Zoosafari Fasanolandia?
The park covers more than 150 acres, making it the second largest wildlife park in Europe.
What are some of the notable animals at Zoosafari Fasanolandia?
It houses the only male African elephant and polar bears in Italy. Visitors can also see lions, tigers, Asiatic black bears, gorillas, chimpanzees, dolphins, and various other African and Asian wildlife.
What types of exhibits does Zoosafari Fasanolandia have?
The park includes a main Safari Park where visitors drive through to see free-roaming animals, a Tropical Room with reptiles and amphibians, a Pedonal Zoological Trail for primates and big cats, a Lake of the Large Mammals, an Ornithological Exhibit, a Penguin House, and a Dolphinarium.
Does Zoosafari Fasanolandia have theme park rides?
Yes, in addition to its animal attractions, the park features several rides, including a log flume, roller coasters, ghost trains, and dodgem cars. One roller coaster, the Eurofighter, is noted for its steep 97-degree drop.
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