Penguins, giraffes, rhinos or okapis. The icons of the safari park do not disappear for the winter. "The safari park is attractive all year round. And there are more and more species that can be seen even outside the main season," says the director of Safari Park Dvur Králové Přemysl Rabas. Currently, a colony of African penguins steals the show. Even more as their exhibit is walk-through. Compared to the very popular summer season, the park is much quieter from October to April. The animals are curious and active and everyone can enjoy them almost to themselves.

Across Africa

The entire walk-through part of the park is in operation. Visitors can see all the big animals here, from cheetahs, leopards or African wild dogs to a pack of Barbary lions. Anybody can admire these big cats in the winter time in their indoor habitat or in the huge enclosure - for example from the view-point of the large wooden castle. An attraction for true connoisseurs are the unique aardwolves, which are extremely rare in zoos. A pair of these amazing beasts inhabits the exhibit in the Joy Adamson House of Carnivores.

The obvious attractions of winter are reticulated giraffes in the impressive indoor quarters, black rhinos in their heated residence, pygmy hippos in the newly renovated mansion, the only okapis in the country or elephants and aardwarks in the African Savannah House. "People won't even miss any of our primates. The Primate House is a winter oasis where everyone can warm up and observe chimpanzees or Angolan colobus monkeys," continues Přemysl Rabas.

Heated exhibits with windows also have both of our species of galagos, catta lemurs and black-faced drills. A visit to the World of Birds with two different biotopes is extremely tempting even in winter. The journey through the world of birds begins in a dry Madagascar hall. The birds are complemented by the magnificent fossa, which the safari park is the only Czech and one of the few zoos in the world to reproduce repeatedly, or a number of amazing reptiles. The pavilion continues with a unique hall representing the rainforest basins of the Congo. There, bird lovers will find real treasures – for example, the only black herons in Europe, similarly rare little goldfinches, parrots, hornbills, turacos or starlings.

Amazing reptiles and exquisite art

Water Worlds and Venomous Africa are also worth a stop. “The collection of deadly venomous snakes is extraordinary and most species breed here. In addition, people cannot see some of them anywhere else," the director of the safari park points out. The tropical hall with two species of crocodiles, various lizzards, pancake tortoises and dozens of fish is also open all year round.

The largest permanent exhibition of works of the world-famous artist Zdenek Burian with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, the extensive Museum of Skeletons full of unique bones showing how amazing the world of animals is, the World of Insects or the small village of Tiébélé with its contrasting "spotted" houses, which are typical for Burkina Faso, are also worth a visit. And a number of paddocks live throughout the winter. "The animals go outside as the weather permits. Elephants and rhinos practically every day, at least for a short while. Also, the popular red river hogs or meerkats are essentially hardy. And for example, Persian leopards are perfectly suited to winter and are much more active than in summer," concludes Přemysl Rabas. The outdoor enclosure is also used year-round by the only Czech Cape buffalo or the largest herd of maneless zebras outside of Africa.

So don't miss them!