Attica Zoological Park |
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| Date opened | 2000 |
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| Location | Spata, Greece |
| Land area | 20 hectares (49 acres)[1] |
| Number of animals | 2000[2] |
| Number of species | 400[2] |
| Memberships | EAZA[3] |
| Website | www.atticapark.gr |
Attica Zoological Park, is a 20-hectare (49-acre) private zoo located in the Athens suburb of Spata, Greece. The zoo is home to about 2000 animals representing 400 species, and is open 365 days per year.[2]
Attica Zoological Park is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
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The Attica Zoological Park opened in May 2000. It was initially a Bird Park that was home to 1100 birds from 300 different species — the 3rd largest bird collection in the world.[1]
World of reptiles was added in April, 2001, followed by Greek fauna in 2002, the African Savannah exhibit (with zebras and giraffes) in 2003, a cat exhibit and expansion of the African Savannah exhibit in 2004, a monkey exhibit in 2005, Land of the Cheetah, a chimpanzee and gibbon exhibit, and a Somalia exhibit (with camels and donkeys) in 2008.[1]
In 2010, the zoo opened a dolphinarium, and added white rhinos to its residents.[1]
The zoo's big cats include white Lions and Tigers, as well as black panthers and Leopards. The zoo has several walk-through enclosures, including a "monkey's jungle".
In 2005, the zoo began to run daily shows featuring birds of prey. In 2010 the zoo began shows with its newly installed dolphinarium showing sea-lions and dolphins.
Future plans include a museum of evolution with its primary focus on dinosaurs, and an aquarium.[1]
In June 2010 the dolphinarium started working with shows by sea lions and dolphins. There were initially four dolphins bought from the Lithuanian Marine Institute, then seven more were added from the same source. The Greek Green Party took Attica Zoological Park to court claiming animal welfare issues in 2011. In April 2011, a Provisional Order was issued by the Athens Court temporarily prohibiting the operation of the dolphinarium [4]. BBC has sent a correspondent to cover the story [5] and the controversy has been presented in an article by author Lauren St.John in The Sunday Times.[6] In August 2011, the Greek court issued a decision declaring itself not competent to pass judgement on the case. Although the Attica Zoological Park claimed that the case in question has been decided permanently and that the company has been vindicated, this decision actually only addresses the ability of this particular court to decide the issue.[7].
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