Crocodile ZOO Protivín

Crocodile ZOO Protivín is the only facility of its kind in the Czech Republic and one of the largest crocodile collections in Europe. Set in the very center of Protivín, in the South Bohemian Region, it draws both families with children and reptile enthusiasts hoping to see species rarely found in conventional zoos.

How did the crocodile zoo come to be?

The facility was founded by a private breeder, Ing. Miroslav Procházka, and opened to the public in 2008 as the first crocodile zoo in the Czech Republic. The initially modest exhibition quickly grew popular, leading to a complete renovation finished in 2012, when the exhibition space was expanded fivefold into roughly the layout visitors see today.

How many crocodile species live here?

The collection includes more than 23 species of crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials, with the total number of animals exceeding one hundred — making it the largest such collection in Europe. Among the most valuable residents are critically endangered species such as the Indian gharial, the Sunda gharial, and the Philippine crocodile, some of the rarest reptiles on the planet.

What breeding achievements does the zoo have?

The zoo runs a conservation breeding program and holds European records for successful breeding of the Cuban crocodile and the mugger crocodile. It is also the only zoo in the Czech Republic that has bred the critically endangered Siamese crocodile. These achievements place Protivín among the important conservation breeding centers in Europe.

What else is there besides crocodiles?

The exhibition isn't limited to crocodiles — the visit also includes a collection of snakes, among them cobras, vipers, and rattlesnakes. A separate section, referred to as the "Prehistoric Zoo," showcases ancient turtle lineages, while a dedicated zoological museum displays a complete crocodile skeleton, letting visitors examine the animals' anatomy up close.

Can visitors watch crocodile feeding?

Yes, one of the main attractions is the regular public crocodile feeding, held at scheduled times during the day. This is typically when the largest crowds gather, as the animals are at their most active — making it a particular highlight for children.

When is the zoo open and how do you get there?

Crocodile ZOO Protivín is open year-round. From September to June it operates daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and in July and August from 10:00 to 17:00; the last admission is roughly 30 minutes before closing. The site is located at Masarykovo náměstí in Protivín, reachable by train, bus, or car, with parking available nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Protivín zoo suitable for children? Yes, it's one of the most popular family attractions in the South Bohemian Region — close encounters with reptiles and the feeding shows usually leave a strong impression on younger visitors.

How long does a visit take? A standard visit to the exhibition typically takes about an hour, depending on pace and whether visitors stay for a feeding show.

Is this the only zoo of its kind in the Czech Republic? Yes, Crocodile ZOO Protivín was the first and remains the only specialized crocodile zoo in the country, standing out for the scale of its collection by European standards.