Imagine this: just a century ago, the Zagreb Zoo was nothing more than a small nursery with only six animals – three foxes and three forest owls! Today, that same zoo in Maksimir proudly houses a staggering 388 animal species, transforming into a little Africa right in the heart of Zagreb. How did this incredible transformation happen? Thanks to the persistence, donors, and visionaries like Mijo Filipović, the first director, who led the zoo from its humble beginnings.
The early days were modest but full of enthusiasm. The mayor, Vjekoslav Heinzel, was among the first visitors, and the entrance fee was just one dinar! Donors came forward one by one – from the Ban advisor Ivan Žigrović who donated an owl, to the Swiss consul Julio Schmidlin who brought a pair of peacocks. The most famous resident was the baboon Štefek, who became a star thanks to comic strips in newspapers and postcards with his picture.
As time passed, the zoo expanded. In 1930, a new navigable channel was opened in the lower Maksimir lake, allowing the zoo to grow in size. Soon, exotic animals arrived – leopards, lions, polar bears, zebras, African camels, and even penguins. Ticket prices were lowered to attract more visitors, which upset some donors, but the management stood firm on their goal – to make the zoo accessible to all citizens.
During World War II, visitors brought food for the animals, showing how important the zoo was to the community. After the war, the zoo continued to grow and modernize, introducing new enclosures adapted to the natural habitats of the animals. Today, visitors can enjoy tropical houses, monkey pavilions, sea lions, hippos, and rhinos.
The Zagreb Zoo is not just a place for entertainment but also a center for education and research. Workshops for children, schools, and kindergartens are organized, and the management works intensively on animal conservation and protection. Donor support and corporate sponsorships enable further development and modernization of the zoo.
If you have ever been to Maksimir, you know how much the zoo has become a favorite spot for families, school trips, and tourists. From a modest start with six animals to hundreds of species today, this zoo is a true testament that persistence and love for nature pay off. And if you haven’t visited yet, maybe it’s time to ask yourself – what are you waiting for? Who knows, you might just find your favorite animal friend there!
And hey, if you have a funny or touching story from your zoo visit, feel free to share it in the comments – who knows, your anecdote might become the next Maksimir legend!
