The first official negotiations about the construction of ZOO Bratislava took place in 1948, but the construction started in 1959 and the opening ceremony was held on May 1960.The Zoo’s first successful breeding results came several years after the opening (breeding of macaques, baboons, porcupines, leopards and pumas) and it became one of Europe’s first zoos that successfully bred the Eurasian lynx. Two thirds of the original exposition were destroyed to allow for the construction of new enclosures and the transfer on animals into their new homes.

In 2004, the zoo built a new and unique exposition of Mesozoic reptiles called DinoPark – one of a kind in Central Europe. The outstanding amusement park has the area of 3 ha and displays moving models of dinosaurs, with sound effects, in their natural habitat.

In 2006, the zoo created a new beast of prey pavilion for leopards, jaguars, tigers and lions – the most popular animals among the visitors. A year later, construction of a new pavilion for primates was commenced and this part of the zoo was opened to the public in 2010.

In 2008, the zoo opened a new shop with a wide variety of promotional materials and souvenirs. Also, two new playing areas with colorful equipment for children were opened in the same year. In spite of all the negative events and financial problems, Bratislava’s zoo continues to develop and grow – the number of guests has increased and the number of animals grew from the initial 238 specimens of 74 species to 617 specimens of 147 species on the area of 96 ha.

Opening hours

• Summer (1.4 -30.9) from 09:00 am – last entry at 18:00 h, the area open until 19:00 h
• October (1.10-31.10) from 10:00 am – last entry at 16:00 h, the area open until 17:00 h
• Winter (11.1 -28.2) from 10:00 am – last entry at 15:00 h, the area open until 16:00 h
• March (1.3 -31. 3) from 10:00 am – last entry at 16:00 h, the area open until 17:00 h

Prices of tickets:

* Children (3-15 years), seniors, students (16 to 26 years with valid student ID card), disabled people – adults, teacher of children’s camp (10 children to 1 adult)

Children under 3 years, disabled people – children, disabled-S (children and adults with accompaniment), teacher of school groups (10 children to one teacher free). Pedagogical supervision is required to accompany the group throughout the visit to Bratislava Zoo - free

In summer : Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) : 13.50 EUR