Zoo

Entertainment | Education | Wildlife Protection

About

The Bratislava Zoo has been a beloved destination for families and individuals since 1960, offering visitors of all ages the chance to see nearly 200 animal species, learn about their natural habitats and behaviors, and understand the importance of wildlife conservation—all while enjoying a refreshing outdoor stroll. Today, the zoo is home to over a thousand animals, including gibbons, chimpanzees, orangutans, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, rhinos,  leopards, lions, tigers, jaguars, bison, bear, and many more.

A key mission of the Bratislava Zoo is the protection of endangered species, in collaboration with international partners. This effort includes creating backup populations of rare species for potential reintroduction to their natural habitats. Notable successes include the reintroduction of Sahelo-Saharan antelopes to Sidi Toui National Park in Tunisia, participation in the European program to safeguard the critically endangered Visayan warty pig, and contributions to the reintroduction of the European bison to Poloniny National Park in eastern Slovakia.

The zoo spans a large area and involves some uphill walking to reach its more remote sections. However, visitors can take advantage of numerous rest areas with benches, drinking water fountains, snack bars, and seasonal food trucks. For those preferring to avoid the hilly terrain, the zoo offers paid electro-bus rides. While the lower part of the zoo is near the highway and can be slightly noisy, the upper areas—home to bisons and kangaroos—are quieter, more serene, and less crowded.

Tips

Nearby restaurants

The zoo is located outside the city center and has limited dining options nearby. Aside from the snack bars within the zoo, the closest restaurant is Idyla, situated just across the highway. Idyla serves delicious traditional Slovak cuisine (on the heavier side) at reasonable prices, but it is only open on weekdays and closes at 4:00 PM. For more dining options, including bistros and cafés, head to the nearby Cubicon Shopping Center.

Things to do nearby

Due to its remote location, the easiest way to reach the zoo is by public transportation or car. The Municipal Forest can be accessed from the Zoo bus stop (located across the highway) via bus line 37.

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Discover Bratislava’s natural gem: the tip of the vast Carpathian Mountains, which stretch over 1,500 km across Central and Southeastern Europe. The Municipal Forest, locally known by its most popular trailhead, Zelezna studnicka (Iron Well), is a haven for hikers, runners, cyclists, picnickers, and anyone seeking fresh air and relaxation. This area offers a variety of amenities, including snack bars, bistros, grill stations, fire pits, an open-air gym, and playgrounds. The area is illuminated by street lamps in the evening, making it perfect for a visit at any time of day. 

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