Limassol Zoo is the favorite place in Cyprus for families with children. Local residents and numerous tourists come here who spend the whole day among cute animals. A distinctive feature of the zoo is the fact that it is surprisingly comfortable for guests and animals. For all, conditions have been created that allow both animals and people to communicate to each other's great pleasure.
Limassol Zoo: Description (General)
The zoo is located in the city garden, which is quite easy to reach by public transport. Currently, it contains more than fourteen species of animals, reptiles and thirty-two species of birds. The pride of the menagerie is the reserve of mouflons, which once became a symbol of the island of Cyprus.
Dr. Lambru - the director of the zoo - spends a lot of time here and does everything possible to ensure that the Limassol zoo develops, and the animals feel comfortable. To this end, a few years ago, the menagerie underwent a small restructuring, and now it is a real pride of Cyprus. Almost the entire zoo is decorated with natural materials (jute ropes, stone and wood), so literally from the first steps, visitors plunge into the atmosphere of nature. This helps children not only to observe the animals in the enclosures, but also to study with interest the information about them presented on the stands near each fence. It is worth noting that it is very convenient for young visitors at the zoo, because each aviary is made taking into account the growth of children. They do not have to reach out or ask for hands in their parents to see another funny little animal.
Zoo history
Locals still remember how the Limassol Zoo opened. In 1956, it was created on a voluntary basis, and most of the guests were brought by the Cypriots themselves. The favorite of the children was the monkey Julia, in addition to her in the menagerie were several species of animals and birds. In those years, the zoo did not resemble that beautiful and comfortable territory that it represents now. Initially, it was a small menagerie located in a corner of the city park, but by the seventies the number of animals had increased significantly, and the nursery turned into a real zoo.
From the seventies to the nineties of the last century, the zoo experienced a serious decline in connection with the division of the island into Greek and Turkish. Most of the animals died from hunger and disease. And only in 1993 the revival of the zoo began, where a large number of new animals were brought, and the territory completely changed its appearance, turning into a real zone for family recreation.
Description of the Territory
Almost the entire territory of the zoo is covered with greenery and lovely lawns, where you can sit down to relax. In addition, in the shade of the alleys there are benches and gazebos where restless kids like to hide.
Water fountains are built in many corners of the zoo. Here you can wash your hands and drink (the water is purified and suitable for drinking). In case of unforeseen situations, you can contact the medical center, and young mothers have the opportunity to feed the baby in specially equipped rooms.
After perestroika, people with reduced mobility feel comfortable in the zoo. Wide paths and lifts are equipped for them here. If you are hungry, then you will find a cafe "Flamingo". It boasts sea views, and the menu includes simple and tasty dishes suitable for adults and children. It’s great that you can come to the zoo with your own food and sit on the grass in the picnic area.
For kids at the zoo, a colorful playground is arranged. It has a special coating that allows you to play barefoot. All structures are made of environmentally friendly materials.
Zoo Training Center
Limassol Zoo pays great attention to educational programs. Pupils and kindergarteners come here for open biology classes. They can learn about the different species of wildlife in the islands, Australia, America, and Asia. In order to make the classes more interesting, the director of Lambru ordered to build a small amphitheater. It is located next to the aviaries, which allows you to listen to lectures about animals and simultaneously observe them.
Mini farm and petting zoo
What do all kids love without exception? Of course, pet and feed the animals. At the zoo, they will have such an opportunity. The mini-farm contains poultry and animals. Here you can get to know the goats, turkeys, lambs, burros and zebu. Kids are given a chance to ride on animals, and then feed them with various goodies bought here.
Conditions for keeping animals in aviaries
Since the zoo does not have a large territory, many animals live side by side in the aviary. They are grouped according to different characteristics and do not interfere with each other. This feature gives the zoo a certain zest, because visitors watch with great interest the quarrels and friendship of some animals. And there is something to see at the zoo: monkeys, antelopes, kangaroos, mouflons, meerkats and ground squirrels live in aviaries. And this is not a complete list of all the guests of the zoo.
All enclosures are spacious enough and allow animals to feel in their usual habitat.
Reptile house
An entire building is reserved for these representatives of the animal world. In addition to numerous species of snakes, there are lizards, monitor lizards and even a caiman living in a special pool. Many visitors in this part of the zoo spend most of their time, because such a variety of reptiles can not be found anywhere else in Cyprus.
Bird collection
The zoo in Limassol has always been famous for its birds. This collection is very rich and is the envy of many large zoos. Visitors can get acquainted with cranes, parrots, owls, flamingos and other representatives born to conquer the sky.
Zoo opening hours
The working hours of the zoo in Limassol are very unusual. It depends on the season, although the opening time always remains the same - nine in the morning. In the winter from November to January, the menagerie is open until four in the afternoon. In February, the working day is extended by half an hour, and in the first spring months it is extended by another thirty minutes.
From May to September, visitors can stay at the zoo until six in the evening. However, from June to August, the working day increases by one hour.
How to get to the zoo?
In order to get to the zoo in Limassol (the opening hours of which we have already indicated in the article), you will need public transport. There are many bus routes to the city park. The most convenient are the following six:
- 3;
- eleven;
- 12;
- thirteen;
- 25;
- 31.
On any of them you will reach the desired place in about twenty minutes.
Limassol Zoo: admission price
Disabled people and kids up to five years old can go to the zoo for free. Older children - from five to fifteen years old - can buy a ticket for two euros. Admission is available for five euros.
There is also a preferential category of visitors. It includes:
- groups of sixteen people (the cost of an adult ticket is four euros, children - two euros);
- pensioners, military personnel and university students (ticket costs three euros);
- a family of four (a total ticket will cost twelve euros).
Keep in mind that some representatives of the preferential category need to confirm their status with special documents.
The Zoo in Limassol is a great place where adults and children can spend time together and get acquainted with the diversity of the animal world of our planet.