A Grand Jubilee: Zagreb Zoo to Celebrate a Hundredth birthday!

The Zoo of Zagreb was founded in 1925 in the southern part of Maksimir Park. The first leopards, lions, polar bears and zebras arrived in the first decade. In the following years and decades, the number of animal species arriving at the zoo increased, and at the same time housing suitable to their needs was built. The area of the park, which grew due to increased requirements to seven hectares it covers today, was improved with new facilities and infrastructure required by visitors. They observed the growth and new inhabitants of the zoo coming from all over the world with great interest. This is confirmed by the fact that in 1987 the number of visitors reached 500 000.

In the eighth decade of its existence, the zoo became a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The first educational hall was built in the same decade, which marked the start of educational programme. Its development and extension have continued to this day. The nineth decade was marked by the fact that the zoo has received ISO9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2000 certificates. In this period the European umbrella association EAZA bestowed the award for raising awareness about the need to protect European wild beasts to the zoo in Zagreb. Two years later, it also received an award for raising awareness about the need to protect apes.

With a clear role and task to direct its activities to contribute to the preservation of endangered animal species, the zoo in Zagreb is the only such establishment in the world in where the olm can be found.

The more recent history of the zoo is marked by development, continuous efforts put in preservation and protection of animal species, education and building infrastructure and new facilities. In this process, this establishment was financed by the European Union funds and has support of the local community. However, the most important fact is that citizens and visitors of Zagreb of all ages continue to come to the zoo. They also keep track of all the novelties regarding its inhabitants as well as numerous activities with which the zoo fulfils the task of preserving animal species and educating visitors with interesting, informative and entertaining programmes.

Marking of the hundredth anniversary, which will culminate on 27 June, the day when the zoo was established, started in Zrinjevac Park with the exhibition of photographs entitled “We are just 100 years old”. It will continue with a series of activities worthy of such an important jubilee.