Embark on a Safari Adventure at Ostrava Zoo
Safari at Ostrava Zoo features three large areas (Africa, Persia, and India) that cover nearly six hectares, currently home to about one hundred animals from over 10 species of African and Asian wildlife. Each day, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Safari Express from 10 am to 6 pm, with each ride lasting around 15 to 20 minutes. The boarding area is located just under the giraffe enclosure. You can often see a group of Rothschild giraffes, either in the “yard” near the pavilion or in the enclosure beneath the African Animal Pavilion, especially in the morning. However, if it rains and the area becomes muddy, the giraffes might stay inside for their safety. Besides giraffes, the Africa enclosure is also home to elk antelopes, abok water lilies, and two-fingered ostriches.
Rare ungulates in the Persia enclosure
In the Persia enclosure, you can find three species of highly endangered Asian ungulates: onagers (which have the largest population in Europe at Zoo Ostrava), Mesopotamian fallow deer, and Persian gazelles. Even though the Persian gazelles are the smallest animals in this area, they are actually the largest variety of Asian gazelles, commonly called cheiran. Male gazelles have notable thickened throat structures that they use to make sounds during mating periods. A few years ago, the zoo had two male specimens of Asia’s largest gazelle; one passed away, and the other was successfully relocated to Helsinki Zoo to join a group of nine females as part of international cooperation. This effort resulted in Zoo Ostrava receiving several offspring (three males).
The screw-footed goat in India or the rock goat
The largest area in the Ostrava safari hosts the highest number of animals and various species. The newest addition is the screw-horned goat, with three males currently residing there. They are easily recognized by their beard, mane, and particularly their impressive spiraling horns that can grow up to approximately 100 cm in length. These horns make them a target for hunters, leading to their status as an endangered species in the wild. Female goats have shorter horns, reaching about 30 cm. The screw-horned goat is also known as the round-horned goat or markhur.
The Indian enclosure is also home to a breeding group of colorful Axis Indian deer consisting of one male, around twenty females, along with this year’s young deer. Additionally, you will find a breeding group of the rare barasing deer, and there are also two representatives from the Turkic region – nilgau deer and a domestic buffalo. The female domestic buffalo can often be seen relaxing in the water at the watering hole. Occasionally, a striking member of the Indian bird population, the crowned peacock, also visits this enclosure.
Zoo Ostrava breeds Central Asian varieties of the screw-horned goat, which traditionally lived in mountain areas along the upper reaches of the Amudarya and Panj rivers in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. To cater to these mountain-dwelling animals, the enclosure features a specially designed “rock” area made up of large stones, located at the entrance to the enclosure coming from the Persia area.
Please keep in mind that the safari express ride might be temporarily stopped for the well-being of the animals or due to operational matters. Since the animals have spacious enclosures with natural tree and shrub cover, it’s possible that you may only see some of the animals during your visit.
