In the first week of May, Palić Zoo received official confirmation that the IPA project HR-RS00076 – Majestic ZOO-S has been approved. Applied for last year as the lead partner, the project secured funding from the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds of the Republic of Croatia. Together with our project partners, we have been granted up to €1.3 million to introduce exciting new features at the zoo and boost the overall tourism potential of our city.
Submitted in partnership with the Tourist Organization of the City of Subotica and cross-border partner Unikom d.o.o. (operator of Osijek Zoo), with endorsement from the Tourist Board of the City of Osijek, the project includes constructing facilities for native animal species, a new children’s playground, and an outdoor classroom at both zoos.
Following construction, the focus will shift to joint and individual promotion by partner tourist organizations. These efforts aim to attract more visitors, showcase both zoos, and highlight the vibrant tourism potential of the entire cross-border region.
We are delighted to take our excellent collaboration with Osijek Zoo to the next level through this shared initiative, exchanging valuable expertise and promoting each other’s destinations.
We are thrilled to enhance our visitor experience with major additions across our grounds.
After nearly 50 years of joyful memories, our iconic playground is taking a well-deserved retirement. Between November 2024 and April 2025, it will be replaced by a completely new play area built from the ground up, featuring interactive and educational animal-shaped equipment designed to blend seamlessly into the zoo’s natural setting.
We took special care to preserve all existing trees so this shaded spot remains a favorite rest area in the heart of the zoo. Additionally, all educational and interactive panels are fully accessible to toddlers and visitors with disabilities.
A wooden terrace next to the tapir enclosure will be transformed into an inspiring summer classroom, with complete replacement of the wooden structure and flooring scheduled for the summer break of 2025.
Equipment will be added to support our renowned educational programs, which welcome around 17,000 schoolchildren annually as a recognized model of best practice. Joining the three existing learning spaces at the zoo, this new classroom will feature standard technical equipment, mobile microscopes for group work, and stationary binoculars for observing wildlife and birds in the protected nature area.
Replacing the current aviary and pygmy goat enclosure, this brand-new interactive zone is planned for completion by the end of 2025. Visitors will be able to step inside the courtyard and interact directly with select animal species under the guidance of our keepers.
While up-close encounters without barriers were previously reserved for special group programs, this facility will open that experience to every guest. Visitors are welcome to touch and pet the animals gently, creating unforgettable memories, fostering empathy in children, and providing rich sensory experiences for guests with special needs.
The concept harmoniously blends a traditional Pannonian yard featuring native species with a vibrant ecosystem display showcasing active exotic animals. This second area recreates a jungle setting with live plants and small mammals living among the tree canopies and on the ground, teaching visitors about symbiosis and biodiversity.
As always, animal welfare remains our top priority. All facilities are designed so that animals can easily retreat and hide from public view whenever they desire.
We look forward to welcoming you to an even more engaging and memorable Palić Zoo experience!
