Punta Verde Zoo Park, Lignano Sabbiadoro
Punta Verde Zoo Park in Lignano Sabbiadoro is probably the best entertainment venue in this resort town. The park is located on the curve of the river and takes up 100 000 meters of land. This well-maintained, neat and engulfed by green lushness place will be a perfect location for your family leisure. Punta Verde is a privately-run zoo and therefore not funded by the government. All the park’s income is generated by selling tickets and providing accompanying services.
History of Punta Verde
In early 1970 a piece of land where Punta Verde is situated today was completely abandoned and later enveloped with trees and shrubs. The idea to turn this place into a park belonged to Italian research scientist and businessman Sergio Rodeano. With the support of his two friends, he began landscaping the area. First of all, a park which included both native plants and rare ones brought from other places. Later animals were transferred here as well.
Officially the park was opened to the public on 19 June 1979. This project proved to be successful that’s why it was steadily expanded and developed. Today Punta Verde is considered to be not only a tourist attraction – the park participates in various educational and environmental programs, is a member of UIZA (Italian Union of Zoos & Aquaria), EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and takes part in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
Things to see at Punta Verde
If you happen to be around this area, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Punta Verde. The best time to visit it is during spring or fall; you will find the weather rather hot in summer. Rich greenery, however, makes up for it a little. Over thousand animals, such as tigers, lions, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, hippos, lemurs, bears and various bird and reptile species can be found within the territory. They all live in clean and spacious enclosures.
Visitors are not allowed to feed most of the animals. However, if you want your children to experience nature a bit closer, you can visit a petting zoo. You may pet and feed inhabitants there. There is also a great playground, picnic spots, and a small restaurant.
How to get
A bus stop Lignano – Bibione is 15 minutes’ walk from the zoo. You can also catch local bus №А2 right at the entrance.
Opening hours: the park is closed from November 2 until the end of March. The rest of the time its schedule looks like this:
- from March 29 to June 8 – from 9:00 till 18:00;
- from July 9 to August 19 – from 9:00 till 19:00;
- from August 20 to September 9 – from 9:00 till 18:00;
- from September 10 to 30 – from 9:00 till 17:00 on weekdays and till 18:00 on weekends;
- from October 1 to 31 – from 10:00 till 15:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 till 17:00 on weekends;
- October 28 (Sunday) and November 1 – from 9:00 till 16:00.
Notice that this schedule is relevant for 2018. Since the zoo is privately owned, the administration has the right to adjust opening hours according to weather conditions or other reasons.
Admission: ticket for adults costs 14 euros and for children between 3 and 12 years old – 11 euros. You can also purchase a season ticket. Please mind: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
