Palić Zoo officially celebrated 75 years of existence and operation on May 31, 1950, the date its gates first opened to visitors. As a cultural institution of the city of Subotica, the Zoo focuses on zoology, botany, nature conservation, education, culture, and tourism. This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on its journey, highlight current projects, educational programs, and significant collaborations with institutions in the field of nature and environmental protection.
Development and Transformation of the Zoo
From humble beginnings as a menagerie, Palić Zoo has grown into a modern complex spanning 15 hectares, with a rich collection of animal and plant species. Today, it is home to over 150 species in its permanent collection, and more than 50 animals in its shelter.
The Zoo’s director, Sonja Mandić, emphasized that the advantage of Palić Zoo lies in its location within a protected natural area, which allows for the creation of habitats with natural barriers. The potential of Palić Lake and Tapšin Canal has been utilized, expanded with artificial canals to surround the aviaries. Since 2011, a special emphasis has been placed on harmonizing with regulations regarding the size and equipment of animal enclosures. The director highlighted that efforts are underway to ensure adequate accommodation for all residents, including chimpanzee Tomika (45 years old) and bear Mara, who arrived at the Zoo after being confiscated in 2022.
Animal Shelter: A Fight for the Survival of Wild Species
Palić Zoo, alongside the Belgrade Zoo, is the only institution in Serbia with a direct agreement with the Ministry of Environmental Protection for the intake of injured and confiscated protected and strictly protected animal species. This shelter, established in 2004, faces a growing number of animals due to illegal trade and increased public awareness, leading citizens to bring in injured individuals.
The director emphasized that the most rewarding part of the job is the recovery of animals and their return to nature. As an example, she mentioned an imperial eagle that was returned to the wild this year, a significant event given it’s one of only 14 individuals in Serbia. Hundreds of birds, reptiles, and mammals, after receiving care at the Zoo, have been released back to locations such as the Uvac Canyon, Tara, Fruška Gora, and Lake Ludaš and Selevenj Pustara.
Educational Program: An Investment in Future Generations
The Palić Zoo’s educational program, running for over 40 years, is one of the most significant and popular in the region. Last school year, over 18,000 primary school students from Subotica participated in the program, which is fully booked by early September.
Jelena Toljagić, an educator at the Zoo, explained that the program includes workshops, lectures, and animal interactions—from feeding bears to encountering tarantulas and hissing Madagascar cockroaches. Children learn about the importance of animal and nature protection through over 60 thematic lectures, hands-on lessons, and workshops.
Future and Recognition
To mark the anniversary, Pošta Srbije (Serbia Post) issued special postage stamps featuring motifs of the Persian leopard, African lion, giraffe, and eland antelope, along with two collector’s envelopes. This gesture from Pošta Srbije represents significant recognition and confirms the national importance of Palić Zoo. The stamps and envelopes are available in larger post offices across Serbia.
The 75th-anniversary celebration was attended by numerous important guests, city officials from the fields of culture and veterinary medicine, animal welfare advocates, and many other collaborators.
