Information
Landmark: Belgrade ZooCity: Belgrade
Country: Serbia
Continent: Europe
Belgrade Zoo, Belgrade, Serbia, Europe
Overview
Belgrade Zoo, officially called Grad Zoo Beograd, ranks among Serbia’s oldest and most famous, where cobblestone paths wind past enclosures that have stood for decades.Right in the heart of Belgrade, visitors can wander among dozens of animal species, from bright-feathered parrots to slow-moving tortoises, while learning how conservation protects them.Here’s a closer look at Belgrade Zoo: founded in 1936, it stands among the oldest in the region, tucked inside Kalemegdan Park-the city’s famed fortress grounds where stone walls meet the shade of old chestnut trees.Tucked beside Kalemegdan Fortress, the Belgrade Zoo looks out over the sweeping blue of the Sava and Danube rivers; it spans about 7 hectares-small for a zoo, yet close enough for visitors to watch a lynx blink in the sun-and under the City of Belgrade’s care, it works to protect Serbia’s native wildlife along with animals from far beyond its borders.The zoo’s been working to give its animals better living spaces, adding enclosures that feel more like the wild-trees to climb, soft earth underfoot.At Belgrade Zoo, you can watch lions bask in the sun, spot sleek tigers and leopards, or linger by the primate enclosures where chimpanzees swing and gibbons call through the air; zebras, camels, and deer roam the ungulate pastures, while bears, wolves, and foxes prowl in quieter corners.Bright flamingos, strutting peacocks, squawking parrots, and soaring eagles fill the aviary, and a wide pond ripples with ducks, geese, and swans.In the reptile house snakes coil, lizards dart, and crocodiles lie still as stone, while tanks and pools hold shimmering fish and darting amphibians.Special enclosures display delicate butterflies, glossy beetles, and other tiny invertebrates, all part of the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education for species both local and from far beyond.The Belgrade Zoo takes part in global breeding efforts for endangered animals like the European bison and white rhino, runs hands-on education programs for schools and visitors, and offers plenty to see and do-from a petting area where kids can feed goats to an aquarium and reptile house filled with exotic creatures.Families can enjoy playgrounds, picnic spots, and year-round events such as feeding sessions, expert talks, and special exhibits that spotlight conservation.Tucked inside Kalemegdan Park, beside the historic fortress, the zoo also boasts sweeping views of the Danube and Sava rivers.After exploring the zoo, visitors can wander the park’s winding paths, maybe pausing to watch the ducks glide across the pond.You’ll find cozy cafés and little souvenir shops both inside the zoo and around Kalemegdan Park, perfect for grabbing a coffee or picking up a keepsake.The zoo opens its gates every day, and in summer you can linger longer, even past the soft glow of sunset.For the latest updates, check their official website.Tickets are budget-friendly, with discounts for kids, students, and seniors.You can reach the zoo easily by tram or bus, and its spot in the heart of the city makes it a breeze for both locals and tourists.Just steps away, Kalemegdan Fortress rises over the rivers, offering sweeping views, while the Museum of Military History inside its walls tells the region’s story through faded uniforms and ancient weapons.A short trip brings you to Ada Ciganlija, where beaches, cafés, and sports fields line the Sava River.All in all, Belgrade Zoo brings animals, learning, and the beauty of Kalemegdan Park together for visitors of every age.Whether you want to learn how wildlife is protected, spot a snow leopard up close, or just spend a relaxed afternoon with family or friends, Belgrade Zoo is a must-see in Serbia’s lively capital.
