Liberec Zoo

Liberec zoo opened in 1919 on a wooded slope above the town and is the oldest zoo in the Czech lands, predating Prague by twelve years. It covers about thirteen hectares of hillside, which means the enclosures are terraced among mature trees rather than laid out flat. It became internationally known from the 1990s for white Bengal tigers, of which it bred a substantial line and which became the zoo's emblem - a practice that has since been criticised, since white tigers are the product of a recessive mutation maintained by inbreeding and carry health problems, and the zoo has moved away from it. The current programme emphasises conservation breeding of species including takin, Persian leopard and Northern bald ibis. There is a botanical garden next door, one of the older in Europe, with orchid and cactus houses.

What you actually see

• The oldest Czech zoo - opened in 1919, twelve years before Prague.
• A terraced hillside site - enclosures among mature trees on the slope.
• The white tiger line - the animals it became known for, and has moved away from.
• A botanical garden next door - among the older in Europe, with orchid houses.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The site is steep and involves climbing. White tiger breeding is contested on welfare grounds and the zoo's position on it has changed. Busy at weekends and in school holidays. The botanical garden is a separate ticket.

Nearby

Jested tower is above the city; the Jizera Mountains are north-east.