WELCOME TO THE BIGGEST ZOO IN CYPRUS
The PAFOS ZOO is the biggest licensed zoo in Cyprus. the zoo is set in an unspoiled natural area just a few minute’s drive north of the city of Paphos. Its grounds span more than 100.000 square metres. The zoo caters for all of its visitor’s needs and constantly strives to create compelling experiences, connecting people with all forms of wildlife.Â
A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES
The zoo caters for all of its visitor’s needs and has a wide range of onsite facilities. These include a children’s playground, a souvenir shop, an ATM, a taxi office, three onsite museums, two snack bars, a restaurant and wheelchair hire. There are also picnic areas where visitors can take a relaxing break during the day, whilst soaking up the wonderful sights and sounds of the zoo.
A MAIN ATTRACTION
The zoo is the brainchild of Mr. Christos Christoforou, who opened the facility to the public in September 2003. Since then, it has become one of the island’s main attractions receiving thousands of visitors through its doors every year.
The PAFOS ZOO is open to the public every day of the year at 9.00 am but has varying closing times as listed below throughout the year
April to July
Daily from 9.00am – 6.00pm
August
Daily from 9.00am – 7.00pm
September to October
Daily from 9.00am – 6.00pm
November to March
Daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm
OPEN 365Â DAYS A YEAR
This attraction is open to the public 365 days a year. A visit will truly become a memorable day out for the whole family. All visitors will have the opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.
LARGE ANIMAL ENCLOSURES
The zoo consists of several large spacious animal enclosures that are designed with the animals in mind. These large enclosures provide a comfortable and natural habitat for all of the animals, allowing them to move freely and exhibit their natural behaviour.
EXOTIC ANIMALS
The PAFOSÂ ZOO prides itself on being a cosmopolitan zoo. This means that it houses a varied selection of bird, mammal, amphibious and reptile species from all over the world.Â
THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF PARROTS
The zoo currently boasts one of the largest collections of parrots in Europe and the aviary, amongst other things, includes birds of prey and a family of penguins.Â
A BIG CAT ENCLOSURE
There zoo also has a large big cat enclosure, which includes lions, tigers, and leopards.Â
A VARIETY OF MONKEYS & APESÂ
The zoo’s primate section is home to a variety of monkeys and apes and also includes gibbons, lemurs and orangutangs.Â
A DIVERSE RANGE OF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANSÂ
The zoo’s reptile house is home to a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians. These include crocodiles and a huge selection of venomous snakes.Â
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INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCESÂ
There are also plenty of opportunities to learn and engage with certain animals at the zoo. Visitors are offered several interactive experiences, from guided tours led by knowledgeable zookeepers to one-on-one feeding sessions with certain animals. Visitors are also encouraged to get up close and personal with animals such as elephants, Giraffes, and lemurs. This ‘once in a lifetime’ experience is usually recorded by a photo. There are also three daily parrot and owl shows, which feature these bird’s exceptional flying abilities.
The parrot and owl show times are as follows
April to July
12.00 pm – 2.30 pm – 5.00 pm
August
12.00 pm – 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm
September to October
12.00 pm – 2.30 pm – 5.00 pm
November to March
12.00 pm – 2.00 pm – 4.00pm
THE ZOO’S MISSION
The PAFOSÂ ZOO maintains an animal conservation program that is committed to animal welfare. The three onsite museums collaborate with many educational programs designed to benefit visitors of all ages. The zoo also promotes a captive breeding program in conjunction with other zoos from around the world. It conservation program also includes several endemic Cypriot animals. The zoo, over the years, has included The Egyptian Fruit Bat, The Striped Hyena, The Greater Flamingo, and The Siberian Tiger amongst others within its conservation and breeding programs.
THE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The onsite Museum of Natural History houses fossils and stones from thousands of years ago. The bone fossil of a dwarf hippopotamus that once roamed the Island is also on display. The museum also contains detailed information about the animals housed at the Zoo, including animals that are endemic to Cyprus.
TRADITIONAL ART MUSEUM
The onsite Traditional Art Museum presents through its exhibits, the Cypriot way of life and the art of the recent past. This remarkable collection, in both variety and quality, opens a window into a world where all necessary things are handmade. Having lost their practical use today, these objects offer a snapshot of how Cypriot life used to be. The museum features almost all types of objects used in everyday rural life of the past. Agricultural tools related to the traditional cultivation of cereals, olive trees and vine are all on display. Harnessing equipment, such as saddles and bridles are also exhibited. Pre-industrial installations for the production of Cyprus Olive Oil and ZIVANIA are also included. Objects of personal adornment and tools that were used by several traditional artisans are also on display. There are also several articles of normal household equipment, such as copper and ceramic cooking pots, vases, urns and various cutlery and crockery on display.
THE MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL COSTUME
The onsite Museum of Traditional Costume houses a vast collection of traditional attire of the people of Cyprus during British colonial rule. Exhibits include several examples from the late 19th century. These exhibits are generally observed in separate sections, some of which represent scenes of daily life, while others show snapshots depicting traditional scenes. The museums approach creates a sense of familiarity with the exhibits, making them more accessible and understandable to the viewer. The rural attire of peasantry at this time, as well as examples of middle and upper class clothing are also on display. The costumes, worn by mannequins are presented as sets within a specifically designed space. they are also surrounded by furniture, utensils, lighting and decoration from this era, thus creating a realistic scene from the past.
THE PENGUIN ICE CREAM KIOSK
The ice cream kiosk is located by the Lemur enclosure near the entrance of the zoo. It is open from April through to October all day during zoo opening hours. As well as ice creams, the kiosk also serves fresh orange juice and frappes.
THE MACAW SNACK BAR
This snack bar is located at the midway point directly opposite the children’s playground. It serves as a perfect place to take a break. It is open from April through to October all day during zoo opening hours and offers soft drinks, frappes, coffees, teas, and freshly made milkshakes, as well as sandwiches, crisps and ice creams.
THE FLAMINGO RESTAURANT
This restaurant is open all year around and has a dedicated area that takes full advantage of the Paphos sunsets. This area also allows patrons to sit back and relax with a glass of local wine while sampling the traditional cuisine of Cyprus. Fresh homemade bread is baked in traditional clay ovens and the restaurant has a selection of vegetarian specialties. Children’s meals as well as afternoon tea and coffee are also served.
BUS TRANSFERS FROM PAPHOS
The PAFOSÂ ZOO operates its own free transfer bus service. The bus service runs every day from April through to October and three times per week from November through to March. This service has pre-designated collection points from the majority of Hotels within the Paphos region. The bus service requires a reservation that can be made when purchasing online tickets.
SHUTTLE TRANSFERS FROM CORAL BAY
The PAFOSÂ ZOO operates its free shuttle transfer service from Coral Bay. The shuttle service runs every day from April through to October from three dedicated bus stops. No reservation is required for the hop-on and-off service.
Shuttle Service 1
Opposite Ascos Beach Hotel
Collection times are
10.30 am – 11.30 am – 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Shuttle Service 2
Opposite Corallia Beach Hotel
Collection times are
10.30 am – 11.30 am – 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Shuttle Service 3
Outside Crown Resort Hotel
Collection times are
10.30 am – 11.30 am – 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Return Shuttle ServiceÂ
Collection times are
11.20 am – 1.20 pm – 3.20 pm – 5.30 pm
