About Us
Master Plan
Following the example of many zoos in Europe and the world, Zagreb Zoo decided to create the Master plan.
In 2008 we started analyzing the current state, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the Zoo, as well as ways to overcome the obstacles. Working on animal welfare in a way to reconstruct or rebuild enclosures for some of the animals that we decided still do not have adequate living conditions is definitely one of our top priorities. We would like to mention the bear enclosure, enclosure for big cats and sea lions which need to be expanded, modernized and reconstructed. Such changes often mean a smaller number of better situated species, an example of which is the new bear exhibit where we had to choose one species of bear instead of three that we have right now.
Master plan includes all goals and priorities, as well as the vision for development. Ideological solutions for some new, more spacious, more natural animal enclosures in Zagreb Zoo have been presented .
Some of the new projects are being currently realized, such as the new enclosure for African lions and Nile crocodiles. You can find out more information about these and similar projects on following links: current projects and future projects.
You can see on the picture the size of the current sea lion enclosure (orange colored area), as well as the planned size and location of the new one (green colored area). The new enclosure would have a large and deep water surface, extensive land surface and would be big enough for a bigger colony. Part of the new exhibit complex will be separated for the possibility of keeping penguins.
The space for the new enclosure for tigers would be more open and greener. It would have a big water surface that would allow for natural behavior and would also allow climbing.
Further development of education department is also planned. Education is a unique and invaluable opportunity in all zoos to have close contact of visitors with animals which, as representatives of its species, point out the threats and problems their wild cousins are facing today.
It is also important to plan a bigger role of the zoo in research and conservation of species and their habitat.
Zagreb Zoo has limited space and is surrounded with residential areas and Maksimir Park which is protected as a monument of landscape architecture. Within the zoo there are several objects of historical and cultural significance. When creating the Master plan it was taken into consideration to find the best balance possible between animal's needs, protection of cultural heritage and the needs and wishes of visitors.
This plan can serve as a guide for future development, however like all good plans is subject to changes and revisions because the needs and approach to keeping certain species also changes in time.
A peek into the future – what is in the Master plan?
- Natural looking enclosures that fulfill the standards for animal welfare
- Contribution to species conservation through research and conservation programmes
- To convey the message of importance of environment conservation to our visitors
- Thematically connect parts of the zoo and make it more comfortable for the visitors
- Increase the number of visitors to half a million visitors per year
- Aspire towards sustainable development of the zoo.
Thematic areas (Master plan 2010)
