Navigating Pilsen Zoo: Tips for (Not) Losing Your Way and Finding Adventure

The main attractions at Pilsen Zoo

If animals had their own Hollywood walk of fame, many fascinating stars would grace the streets of Pilsen Zoo. It’s not only the furry friends making headlines. The zoo’s most popular residents include lions, chimpanzees, zebras, camels, cheetahs, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, and red pandas. Recently, a new one-year-old male panda named Mushu moved to Pilsen from a zoo in France. Fans of unusual wildlife often flock to see the flamingos, ostriches, and beaked whales. Additionally, the penguins are a must-see; you can watch them up close during their feeding sessions. In summer, guests can admire the Liberian hippopotamus, who enjoys sunbathing in its outdoor area. Also, don’t miss the quirky tarburst, a rodent with back legs four times longer than its front ones.

…and the less noticeable stars

Though these animals are lesser-known and often missed by the crowds, encountering them in Pilsen Zoo can be a delightful surprise. There are many to discover! Among the unique residents, there are two flightless birds: kagu and kiwi. Kiwis can only be seen in two zoos in the Czech Republic: the one in Zlín and here in Pilsen. Other notable birds include ibises and zejozob. Fascinating to both experts and visitors alike are bércouni and damani, which, despite their rodent-like appearance, are more closely related to elephants. You may also find nestor keu, one of the smartest birds, or watch a pair of Saharan gundi, who made history in 2025 by giving birth to twins for the first time at the zoo. Don’t pass up the chance to see the charming kuandu, a relative of the porcupine.

Pilsen Zoo Highlights

Are you looking to make your visit more exciting by hopping between different “best of” exhibits? You could check out the tallest animal (the giraffe), the heaviest (the rhinoceros), or the most prolific (the spurred tortoise). The longest-held species in the zoo is the fringed tortoise, which has been there since the 1970s. Now, it is in another branch of the zoo called Akva Tera. The zoo also boasts a brand new gorilla enclosure featuring a viewing platform overlooking the zebra habitat. Can you guess which animal was the first to be successfully bred in the Pilsen Zoo? Check the garden’s logo for your answer. These birds turn a lovely pink when they reach adulthood. You guessed it—it’s the flamingo! Moreover, being the only zoo in the country, Pilsen offers a unique falconry experience with live demonstrations at the nearby Lochotín Amphitheatre. Visitors can admire the grace and majesty of these birds in flight in good weather conditions from April to October, every Tuesday to Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm.

Hidden Gems: Sonora, Madagascar, Goldfish Pavilion, and the Czech River

Think you’ve seen everything Pilsen Zoo has to offer? Think again! There are many captivating spots here that you might have overlooked or are unaware of. For instance, you can explore the lesser-known pavilion called Sonora, found near the entrance of DinoPark. The species displayed here thrive in imposing and often hostile environments—mainly desert areas. An impressive exhibition in front of the penguin area will educate you on how plants manage to survive extreme conditions with little rainfall, highlighting the world of drought. Just like in a desert, a wide variety of succulents thrive in our greenhouse. These resilient plants can withstand heat well.

Somewhat overlooked yet deserving more attention is the Madagascar pavilion, conveniently located near the gift shop at the zoo’s entrance. Pilsen Zoo is the only zoo in the country to dedicate an entire pavilion to the fascinating creatures of this unique island! Madagascar is home to numerous endemic species you can’t find anywhere else on Earth. Skipping this exhibit would be a missed opportunity. Here, you can see various rodent types, thistles, grapes, geckos, lizards, iguanas, and, of course, the regal lemurs of Madagascar. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the youngest lemurs.

Discover an interesting hidden treasure of the zoo calledA world underground. If you don’t mind smaller spaces and are okay being around a few reptilian and insect residents (only behind glass, don’t worry), be sure to venture into this area and see what mysteries await you. The underground areas also come with an intriguing history; during World War II, they served as military shelters for the German forces and hiding spots for high-ranking Nazi officials.

You can also uncover a slice of history at the Lüftner farmhouse. Just around the corner from the local eatery, you can check out an exhibit about 19th-century living on the first floor. This includes various household items, furniture, tools, and folk art. In the farm’s main room, you’ll catch a glimpse of peasant life, imagining where they might have gathered, dined, or rested after a hard day on the farm. Downstairs in the large building, there is also an exhibition focusing on horse breeding, displaying historical carriages and horse gear. Fishing enthusiasts will also rejoice here. Adjacent to the farmhouse is a unique exhibit called Czech River, which showcases the fishing zones in the landscape, their inhabitants, the importance of fishing and aquaculture, and even highlights tourism, marked by signs scattered throughout the exhibit.

Seeking a tranquil spot for peace and reflection? Look no further than the Asian garden at the top of the grounds, filled with numerous beautiful plants, including a Japanese garden and the Goldfish Pavilion where beautiful veilfish swim. You and your loved one can find a cozy bench under a mature oak tree. The exhibition on the Philippines is also stunning, presenting the fauna and flora from the island’s Southeast Asian region, and featuring remarkable land-dwelling amphibians, reptiles, and exotic butterflies. A special section of the pavilion highlights brackish waters and mangroves, home to amphibious fish that can navigate outside of water, especially over mud.

Fun for Kids: Playgrounds, Ghosts, and Dinosaurs

Are you looking for a place at the zoo where your kids can have fun? Young visitors will enjoy not just the animal enclosures but also the Lüftner farm at the top of the zoo, which features farm animals like goats, rabbits, cows, and chickens. Kids can pet the goats and sheep in their play area. The original farm has a playground set up in its loft, offering a great escape even during rainy weather. Children can climb up by coming in through the “pig pen” and then squeal in delight throughout their adventures. If you have an adventurous child, make sure to check out the Haunted Cellar. The farmhouse is also attached to a cozy pub, perfect for enjoying a meal together. Afterward, head to the Tropical Pavilion, where you will find the largest playground for kids in the whole zoo, featuring slides, towers, and climbing structures.

As you stroll through the zoo, you will find various interactive attractions. One of the highlights is the tree house, located close to the zoo’s center. Here, both children and adults can learn about different tree species and bird songs while discovering how each tree functions as a massive ecosystem. A smaller rope bridge will lead you back to the pathway, which is ideal for playful monkeys. Near the DinoPark, there’s a real Churuata Indian Hut, constructed by an actual chief of the Yekwana Indians from South America.

As a grand finale, don’t miss DinoPark, right next to the zoo. With a ticket that gets you into both attractions, you’ll have a full day of fun. The enchanting world of Mesozoic creatures has recently welcomed a new addition—a baby stegosaurus. This realistic robotic replica moves through the crowds at speeds of up to 12 km/h, making prehistoric history come alive for everyone!

Helpful information: tickets, transportation, and hours

• • Tickets are available for purchase at the zoo and follow the zoo’s pricing guidelines. There’s a great ticket option that allows access to both the zoo and nearby DinoPark at once.

• • How to reach the zoo? The zoo has parking available at both the main entrance and a side lot in the Vineyard district. The nearest tram stop is “Zoo” (tram line 4), with additional stops at “Faculty of Medicine” (tram line 1) and “Vineyard” (bus line 41). During the summer, you can also travel here daily using the sightseeing zoo-train or special historic buses that depart from Republic Square.

• • Opening hours change throughout the year. In the summer, the zoo is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry at 6:00 p.m.), while in the winter months, the hours are shorter, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.).

• • Where can I eat? Multiple snack bars and restaurants are located throughout the zoo, open until 6 p.m. during the summer.

• • For exciting events that the zoo organizes each year, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages, be sure to follow their Facebook page or check out the events section on the Zoo Pilsen website.