ZOO Dvorec

Zoo Dvorec is a privately run zoological garden located between the towns of Trhové Sviny and Borovany, roughly twenty kilometers south of České Budějovice in South Bohemia. Founded in August 2007, it is the southernmost zoo in the Czech Republic, set within a landscape typical of the region — forests, ponds, and open meadows.

What animals live here?

Unlike most other zoos in South Bohemia, Dvorec puts a strong focus on African species. Residents include a hippopotamus, white South African lions, zebras, baboons, and chimpanzees. The zoo has long been involved in breeding endangered species, particularly those native to Africa. Among its main draws are desert lions alongside two of Africa's most threatened predators — African wild dogs (painted wolves) and spotted hyenas. Reptile enthusiasts can also visit a dedicated venomous-species terrarium housing a notable collection of king cobras from the genus Naja.

What else does the park offer?

Beyond walking the animal enclosures, Zoo Dvorec runs an extensive lineup of educational and hands-on programs. The educational programs are aimed mainly at kindergarten and primary-school groups, introducing children to the realities of keeping animals under human care and explaining the daily work behind running a zoo.

Visitors looking for closer contact with the animals can join experience-based programs, including one nicknamed "Snack Provider in the Zoo," which lets guests feed selected animals up close. The most extensive offering is a two-hour guided program called "Closer to the Animals," led by an experienced keeper who takes small groups behind the scenes of the big-cat enclosures and lets them feed the hippo Bubórka, meerkats, lemurs, and a tapir, among others. Commented feeding sessions are also held regularly, during which staff explain the feeding habits of individual species.

Getting there and taking a break

The park can be reached by car, train, or bus, making it a convenient destination even without your own transport. On site, visitors will find a tavern called "U Krokodýla" for a meal or rest during the visit, as well as benches placed along the walking paths.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Zoo Dvorec located? Between Trhové Sviny and Borovany, about 20 km south of České Budějovice, in South Bohemia.

Which animals set this zoo apart from others in the region? A hippopotamus, white lions, African wild dogs, and spotted hyenas — species rarely found in other South Bohemian zoos.

Can I get there without a car? Yes, the park is served by both train and bus connections.

Is there somewhere to eat on site? Yes, the on-site tavern "U Krokodýla" serves food and drinks.

Who are the educational programs designed for? Mainly kindergarten and primary-school groups, though experience-based programs like "Closer to the Animals" are open to the general public as well.