Belgrade Zoo — Attraction in City of Belgrade

This place is simply awful.

I ended up at the zoo by chance in the evening, right at the time when the animals were clearly expecting to be fed. One pony stood nervously, watching a man who had arrived with hay. I thought, finally, they’re about to be fed. But the man just took the hay and walked away without saying a word or showing any sign of care for the animals. The pony then let out a heartbreaking scream and soon other ponies and animals joined in. Over time, more and more animals became visibly anxious. That staff member didn’t return for at least 20–25 minutes. It’s hard to describe how hungry these animals must have been to react this way. I felt powerless, ashamed just standing there, watching.

The living conditions of the animals are horrible. The chimpanzees were surrounded by filth, the walls were covered in dirt, insects, it looked like no one had cleaned anything in days, maybe weeks. The wolves were kept in tiny enclosures with no shelter or natural environment. Nearly all the animals looked extremely thin.

I also saw a lion while he was eating. At first, I thought he had just been temporarily brought into a small fenced-off area for feeding. But when I returned nearly an hour later, he was still in that same space. It looked like a holding box, even though there was a larger open area nearby, like a canyon, which was completely closed off. I can’t say for sure that he always lives like this, but everything suggested that this confined area was his permanent “home.” It was heartbreaking to see such a powerful animal in such isolation.

The staff are indifferent, showing no respect to the animals or the visitors. In the reptile house, just 20 minutes before closing time, an employee abruptly turned off the lights, despite clearly seeing people still inside. No warning, no words, just off. Like we didn’t matter.

The whole place feels like a hospital like the intensive care unit, where employees have been exposed to so much suffering and decay that they’ve emotionally shut down. I don’t know how this zoo operates, but what I saw felt monstrous. This is not a place of care, it’s a place of silent,...

We visited Belgrade Zoo by chance after a lovely walk in Kalemegdan Park, and unfortunately, it turned out to be a shocking experience that I feel compelled to share in the hope that it sparks some reflection and change.

A promising setting, but total lack of staff presence: Yes, the alleys are clean and the place is shaded with trees. But inside the zoo, we didn’t see a single staff member, only one at the entrance. The only people present were ice cream and popcorn vendors. Not a single zookeeper or staff member supervising what was happening inside.

There are signs everywhere saying not to feed the animals, not to bang on the glass. But in reality? Dozens of visitors were feeding the animals popcorn, chips, cereal… openly and constantly. People went from cage to cage with open snack bags, and the animals were clearly used to it, waiting expectantly. No one was there to intervene or enforce basic rules, and that’s unacceptable.

The primate enclosure in particular was absolutely appalling: Cockroach infestation, on the ground, windows, and even inside the enclosures. A dirty, poorly lit area with cobwebs everywhere. A feeling of neglect, with animals in small, dark, depressing spaces.

This wasn’t blatant abuse, but rather a complete lack of care, hygiene, and oversight. It’s the first time I’ve seen such poor conditions in a zoo in continental Europe.

In a capital city preparing to host Expo 2027, this zoo sends a truly damaging message. It reflects how little respect and care is given to animal welfare. This place needs urgent attention, trained staff, better infrastructure, and active supervision.

This is not a zoo, this is a warning sign. It’s time for local authorities, citizens, and visitors to demand better. Animals deserve dignified living conditions, and visitors deserve a safe and educational experience. Right now, this zoo...

One of the best zoos in the Balkans, Belgrade Zoo, offers a remarkable variety of wildlife, providing an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. The zoo houses a diverse collection of animals from different habitats and continents, making it a prime destination for animal enthusiasts and families alike. The well-maintained enclosures and the dedication of the staff to animal welfare are evident, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

However, the zoo could benefit from improved signage and guides to help visitors navigate the vast complex. During my visit, I found it challenging to locate specific animals, such as the elephant. Despite following the map provided, the signs were not always clear or easy to follow. This lack of directional guidance can lead to frustration, especially when certain areas of the zoo are undergoing maintenance or renovations.

In my case, I was particularly eager to see the elephant, but unfortunately, I couldn't find it. It’s possible that the elephant had been temporarily relocated due to ongoing construction work in the center of the complex. This made it difficult to determine its exact location. Adding more guides or interactive maps could greatly enhance the visitor experience, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite animals without difficulty. Despite this minor inconvenience, Belgrade Zoo remains a top-tier destination, offering an impressive and educational encounter...