Ljubljana Zoo

Ljubljana Zoo lies on the southern slope of Rožnik, the wooded hill that rises on the edge of the city centre, within the large landscape park known as Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski hrib. It is a short drive or bus ride from the old town and an easy outing for families, and its position on the hillside among trees gives it a different feel from the flat, open zoos of many other cities. Paths wind up and down the slope, with enclosures set among beech and oak woods, and visitors can combine a visit with a walk through the park.

The zoo is relatively small, a few hectares in extent, and it is home to several hundred animals of many species from different parts of the world. Enclosures are arranged to some extent by geographical origin, with animals from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe in separate areas, and they include big cats, primates, hoofed animals, birds, reptiles and smaller mammals. Alongside the exotic species, the zoo keeps animals from Slovenia's own forests and mountains, which gives visitors a chance to see creatures that are difficult to spot in the wild, such as the brown bear, wolf and lynx, and it helps to explain the country's rich wildlife. The zoo takes part in European breeding programmes for endangered species.

Families are well catered for. There are themed areas for children, play spaces among the animals, and educational programmes, including guided tours, workshops and special days for school groups. The zoo organises seasonal events around Halloween and the winter holidays, with stories, activities and decorations, and it offers opportunities for closer contact with the work of keepers, such as feeding talks and, at certain times, experiences in which visitors help to care for the animals. A cafe and kiosks provide refreshments, and picnic areas are available.

A visit usually takes several hours, depending on how long you stay at each enclosure, and the paths are steep in places, so comfortable shoes are advisable and pushchairs may need some effort on the slopes. Opening hours change with the season, being shorter in winter and longer in summer, and admission fees vary by age, with discounts for groups, students and holders of family or annual passes, so it is wise to check the current information before going. The zoo can be combined with a walk up Rožnik, a visit to the church at its top and a stroll through Tivoli Park, and it makes a good option for a day with children in the capital. Weekdays and mornings are the quietest.