The Ljubljana ZOO ,
The Ljubljana ZOO is neither one of the oldest nor the biggest ZOOs. Nonetheless, it does stand as a popular tourist spot in Ljubljana. Its beginnings dates back to the period after the Second World War when animal cages were placed in the centre of Ljubljana. In 1951, the city's authorities found a more suitable location on the south-western part of the Rožnik Hill. This was also the period when the ZOO began to develop at a faster pace until it reached its milestone in 1988 when it started to evolve into a modern ZOO with the emphasis on almost natural living conditions for the animals, as well as on ecology and coexistence of animate and inanimate nature.
The offer is inventively expanded on a regular basis through constant introduction of new products for visitors, especially the youngest ones.
Today, it can be concluded that the course of development was appropriate, as the animals now "live" in a suitable environment, and visitors are content and happy to return, which is also proven by more than 200,000 visitors per year.
The Mostec recreational park
The idyllic environment of the forest in the valley of the Mostec brook beneath Mali Rožnik is a perfect location for spending free time in tranquillity. The adequacy of the location was discovered at the beginning of the previous century when local residents dammed the brook and thus set up a place suitable for "kneipping" that was widely popular at the time.
The recreational character of Mostec has been preserved to the present day. In 1962, the predecessor of what is now known as the Mostec recreational association took the initiative and gradually gave the space the appearance that we now know. The association has its space in the only building in Mostec. Residents of Ljubljana like returning to Mostec where they can enjoy nature , , and the occasional social events, all of which keep potential boredom away from the area.
The Mostec trim trail
The trail is 520 m long and comprises 15 devices , , . The trail is illuminated making it possible to jog and exercise even in late evening hours. The trim trail was completed in October 2012, replacing the former trail that had to give way to unsettled ownership relations.
The Mali Rožnik protected natural site
This is a marsh area and an important habitat for rare animal and plant species. These mostly include amphibians, dragonflies and plants demanding a moist, swamp area for their growth. A peat swamp has developed in the lower part of the marsh.
Boljka's statues of animals at the Ljubljana ZOO
The renowned Slovenian sculptor, painter and graphic artist Janez Boljka designed several bronze statues of animals in his creative opus. Thus, the Ljubljana ZOO is now home to six of his sculptures: a rhinoceros, a monkey family, a bison, a wolf, an elephant, and a bull reigning over the entrance to the ZOO, which is also a popular spot among the younger visitors to the park, as they enjoy climbing up and sitting on its back.
The Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, the Faculty of Computer and Information Science, and the National Institute of Biology ,
The faculties have found their adequate place next to the regional park. The view over the new buildings at the end of the access road reveals an example of good spatial positioning.