Jihlava Zoo, Zoo in Jihlava, Czech Republic
Jihlava Zoo occupies the wooded valley of the Jihlávka Stream near the city centre, with water bodies, forested slopes, meadows and rocks. Its grounds hold about 260 species and roughly 1,500 animals, among them the African Savana exhibit opened in 2013, centred on a giraffe stable built as a large African hut.
It started in 1957 as a small animal corner with parrots and pheasants before becoming officially recognized as a zoo in 1982. This change marks when it grew from a simple collection into a larger organized facility.
The Mexican-style Hacienda Escondida pavilion shows visitors how Central American animals and architecture fit together. You can see how that kind of environment looks and works.
The zoo stays open all year round, with longer hours from May through September. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot, especially if you want to explore different parts of the valley setting.
The zoo specializes in breeding venomous snakes, something you rarely find at other Czech zoos. It also keeps Persian leopards, which shows its role in animal protection programs.
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