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Ostrava Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

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Ostrava Zoo is located in the eastern part of the city within a sprawling forest park, making it one of the largest zoological gardens in the Czech Republic by area. Founded in 1951, it has transformed from a traditional animal park into a modern center for wildlife conservation and environmental education. The zoo is uniquely integrated into the natural Stromovka forest landscape, providing residents with spacious, shaded enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo places a strong emphasis on breeding programs for elephants, primates, and rare birds of prey. A distinctive feature is its series of botanical trails that wind through the grounds, showcasing both native and exotic plant species alongside the animal exhibits. Additionally, the zoo operates an important rescue station for injured local wildlife. Recent years have seen the addition of innovative pavilions, such as the Wander Hall, designed to enhance visitor engagement and promote a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: Dětská ZOO · Morčata · Jeleni
Nearby: Bohumín (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-2	3	9	14	18	20	20	15	9	4	-1
Rain mm	52	46	50	51	94	93	96	77	79	60	50	48

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Ostrava Zoo is worth visiting year-round, but the warmer season from April to October provides the best views of elephants and other outdoor enclosures. In winter, the tropical houses provide a welcome change.

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Best time of day

Morning hours are handy for watching elephants bathe and feed. Late afternoon, many animals become active again due to feedings.

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Etiquette

Do not feed the animals or throw anything into enclosures. Stick to designated paths and respect safety distances, especially around large animals.

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What to bring

As it is a large forest park, comfortable hiking shoes and weatherproof clothing are recommended. Binoculars are useful for spotting animals in the naturalistic enclosures.

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Getting there

Ostrava Zoo is located in the Slezská Ostrava district, about 10 minutes by bus from Ostrava center. Large parking lots are available at the entrance.

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What to expect

Animals in this large park may hide behind trees or hills. Move slowly and keep watch - the effort is rewarded with special encounters.

Geography

Coordinates

49.84500, 18.32400

Facts

1951 was the year Ostrava Zoo was established.
100 hectares is the total area of the forested zoo grounds.
4,000 animals from approximately 400 species are housed here.
2011 saw the birth of the first elephant calf in the Czech Republic at this zoo.
6 botanical trails are available for visitors to explore the park.
1960 was when the zoo moved to its current location in Stromovka.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ostrava3 km · WExplore →

Liberty Ostrava Steelworks6 km · SExplore →

Bohumín7 km · NExplore →

Orlová8 km · EExplore →

Havířov11 km · SEExplore →

Hlučín11 km · NWExplore →

OKD Hard Coal Mining Karviná11 km · EExplore →

Klimkovice15 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ostrava Zoo (10)

Dětská ZOO

Children's zoo with a petting area. Kids can feed goats and rabbits.

Morčata

Guinea pigs in an enclosure. Visitors watch them and sometimes pet them.

Jeleni

Deer in a large enclosure. They are visible in the herd.

Amfiteátr

Open-air amphitheater in the zoo. It hosts shows and cultural events.

ZOO a botanický park Ostrava

Zoo and botanical park in Czechia. It combines animal keeping with plant exhibits.

🌐 zoo-ostrava.cz🕒 Nov-Jan 09:00-16:00; Feb 09:00-17:00; Mar,Sep,Oct 09:00-18:0

ZOO Ostrava

Zoo in Czechia. It houses many animal species in spacious enclosures.

halda Ema

Spoil tip in Slezská Ostrava, Czech Republic. It is a distinctive city landmark.

Michal Mine🏛 museum

Historic coal mine turned museum in Ostrava, Czech Republic. It shows mining history.

Církev československá husitská

Church building in Michálkovice, Ostrava, Czech Republic. It belongs to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church.

Nanebevzetí Panny Marie

Roman Catholic church in Michálkovice, Ostrava, Czech Republic. Dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I feed animals at Ostrava Zoo?

Only in the petting area with special food available from vending machines.

Is there a safari in the zoo?

Yes, there is a Safari Express that takes visitors through spacious ungulate enclosures.

Is the zoo suitable for strollers?

Yes, most of the zoo is barrier-free and easy to navigate with a stroller.

What monkey species are there?

The zoo is especially known for its lemur island and chimpanzee group.

Are there picnic areas in the zoo?

Yes, there are numerous rest zones and picnic areas spread throughout the grounds.

Ostrava Zoo: where is it located?

Ostrava Zoo is located in Czech Republic.

Ostrava Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Dětská ZOO, Morčata, Jeleni.

Ostrava Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Ostrava Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

Ostrava Zoo is located in the eastern part of the city within a sprawling forest park, making it one of the largest zoological gardens in the Czech Republic by area.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →