Zoos in Cyprus

A visit to a zoo and a meeting with the world of animals evoke a variety of emotions. For some, they can become the first bright event in life, others, on the contrary, indulge in memories of a happy childhood. However, no one will be indifferent to the diversity of fauna gathered under one roof. Given the modest area and limited species of animals living in Cyprus, the role of local zoos is hard to overestimate. This blog provides an overview of the places where you can get up close and personal with the living creatures we share our planet with.

Paphos Zoo

The founder of Paphos Zoo is Cypriot businessman and philanthropist Christos Christoforou. Being a true connoisseur of wildlife he gathered an impressive collection of birds, and in time rare animals from different parts of the world joined the feathered ones. Initially, the businessman intended to make a closed collection but later changed his mind. In September 2003, the first large licensed zoo in Cyprus opened in Peyia. At the same time, its mission was announced - to convey to residents and visitors the importance of caring for animals and respect for wildlife.

Today the zoo occupies more than 100 thousand m2, where live about 350 species of fauna - mammals, reptiles, and birds. It has one of the largest collections of parrots and poisonous snakes in Europe. The family of Ussuri tigers, whose natural range is limited to the Far East of Russia, and "white" African lions with unusual coat colors are objects of special pride.

Most visitors of zoological gardens like to observe large animals and their expectations are met by seeing Indian and African elephants. Herbivores are include observant giraffes and striped zebras, graceful antelopes and ever-chewing llamas. Paphos Zoo is home to 140 species of birds, half of which are in danger of total extinction. The bird show performed by colorful parrots and wise owls deserves special mention. During the hour-long performance, they demonstrate funny tricks and leave unforgettable impressions.

For information: during the birds' performance, spectators are not allowed to get up from their seats and raise their hands in the air.

In the terrarium, which occupies the hotel building, there are 25 species of venomous and 20 non-venomous snakes. In the green pond, the Nile crocodile is almost always resting. In the safe conditions of the terrarium, guests can see the black mamba - one of the most dangerous reptiles on the planet and listen to the sound of the rattle on the tail of the Texas rattlesnake. On the territory of the zoo there are many species of ornamental plants. A separate area with a relief reminiscent of a stony desert is occupied by a cactus park.

There is a playground and a contact mini zoo where you can play with goats, rabbits and guinea pigs. There is a snack bar and a museum of the history of everyday life "Cyprus House", the interior of which is decorated in the style of the XIX century. For convenience, guests are given a map of the territory with the habitats of each animal species at the ticket office. Upon returning from the zoo you get the impression that the administration is trying to do everything for an exciting and unforgettable family vacation.

Paphos Zoo is open daily on the following schedule:

1. January 1 to March 27: from 09:00 to 17:00;
2. March 28th to July 31st: 09:00 to 18:00;
3. from August 1 to August 31: from 09:00 to 19:00;
4. from September 1st to October 30th: from 09:00 to 18:00;
5. from October 31 to December 31: from 09:00 to 17:00.

During the summer season, it is recommended to choose morning or evening hours. Public transportation is as follows: in Paphos take bus number 615 to the final stop at Coral Bay Resort. Here you can change to bus number 616 which goes directly to the zoo gates.

Address: Xylomantrou Street, Agiou Georgiou, Peyia Paphos.

Pafos Zoo on the map

Camel Park

The park was opened in 1998 and is located in the village of Mazotos, 15 minutes drive from Larnaca. The main purpose of its creation is to remind the historical importance of camels in the life of human civilization. Today, the park is home to more than 60 animals, in addition to deer, llamas, ponies, alpacas and lemurs. In addition, there are turtles, fish, and several species of birds. The main entertainment on the territory of the complex is riding camels, ponies or donkeys. The duration of the ride is not more than 15 minutes, but it is enough to understand the specifics of traveling on pack animals and experience the emotions associated with it. Besides, everyone can feed the inhabitants of the park, taste camel milk and make a joint photo as a souvenir.

The restaurant is open (lunch and dinner), where Cypriot and international cuisine is served. In the summer season the swimming pool with a food court is open. Several playgrounds, mini-golf and several other attractions await younger visitors. The park has become a popular destination for school trips and family vacations. The Camel Park in Cyprus is the largest in the European Union and has been awarded Tripadvisor certificates several times.

The park's opening schedule:

1. April-October: from 9.00 to 19.00;
2. November-March: from 9.00 to 17.00.

The park can be reached from Larnaca main bus station by bus number 407.

Address: Hadjikakou St. 2, Mazotos, Larnaca region.

Camel Park on the map

Donkey Farm

Golden Donkeys Farm is located in the village of Skarinou on the road from Larnaca to Limassol. In the process of its organization, the owners wanted to preserve the historical traditions of Cyprus, to show care and gratitude to the donkeys, which have served the inhabitants of the island for many centuries. The reason for opening the farm in 2014 was the care and protection of these hard-working animals, which at some point were on the verge of extinction. Today there are up to 200 individuals, each with its name, exterior and character. Visitors can ride the four-legged pets of the Golden Donkeys, as well as photograph and feed them.

There is also a wax museum, an ancient olive press and a small botanical garden. One of the oldest olive trees in Cyprus grows here. There is a cozy restaurant and a souvenir shop with traditional products and cosmetics made from donkey milk. During the summer season, tours are organized to the farm, where you can learn the art of making halloumi cheese and taste farm food. "Golden Donkeys" has several tourism awards and is included in the "Heart of Legends" itinerary developed by the Ministry of Tourism of Cyprus.

The working schedule of the farm is:

1. April-October: from 10.00 to 19.00;
2. November-March: from 10.00 to 17.00.

Address: Skarinou village, Larnaca region.

Golden Donkeys Farm on the map

Limassol Zoo

The history of the creation of the zoo in Limassol has the character of an accidental event. It all started with a mischievous monkey, which was donated to the town hall by a resident of the town. The animal was placed in the seaside park, where at that time lived only a few birds. Showing initiative in organizing a zoological garden, citizens began to donate different animals to the municipality, and an enterprising American presented a funny elephant. All efforts culminated in the opening of the first public zoo in Cyprus in 1955. Subsequently, the collection was constantly enriched with different species of animals and birds. Being the only one of its kind at the time, it was very interesting and popular with the islanders.

However, due to the lack of tradition and experience, the conditions for keeping animals no longer met the requirements of the time. After a major reconstruction, the metal cages were replaced by spacious enclosures using stone, glass and wood. The renovated zoo opened in the summer of 2012. For all inhabitants were created conditions as close as possible to their natural environment.

To date, there are no large exotic animals that lived here before the renovation. Mammals include martens and otters, antelopes and monkeys, dwarf hippos and other species. The large collection of feathered animals includes parrots, owls, swans and flamingos, among others. Amphibians include turtles, snakes and an alligator. The Natural History Museum is open on the grounds and features a large number of stuffed animals, birds and fish.

In addition to its entertainment mission, the zoo conducts research into the protection and reproduction of endangered species. Thanks to the creation of a modern educational center, all visitors, especially students and children, can attend tours and lectures about the animals kept here and wildlife in general. A cozy cafe "Flamingo" with a sea view and an aviary with pink flamingos is available for guests to recuperate and quench their thirst. The playground and children's zoo with goats and sheep give joy to little visitors.

Working schedule of the zoo:

1. December - January: from 09:00 to 16:00;
2. February - March and October - November: from 09:00 to 17:00;
3. April - May and September: from 09:00 to 18:00;
4. June - August: from 09:00 to 19:00.

Address: Lord Byron Avenue, Limassol.

Municipal Zoo on the map

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