Park Safari delle Langhe, Murazzano
Park Safari delle Langhe (Parco Safari delle Langhe), located near the municipality of Murazano, has long outgrown the level of a simple zoo. Like many other similar institutions, it departed from the barbaric concept of keeping unfortunate animals in cages. Here visitors can see animals and get acquainted with their way of life, as close as possible to those in nature.
History and mission of the park
The park was founded in 1976 as a simple zoo. Since 1982 until now it is managed by the company "Safari Srl". Over the years, it moved from the concept of the exhibition center to a new level, becoming a real conservation center. It began to pursue the aims of research, preserving natural diversity and educating the population. Already from a small age children are told the simple truth that you can learn more about animal’s habit, characteristics and lifestyle and not only stare at them. And in the field of scientific research the park cooperates with other animal welfare centers, nature reserves and the Department of Veterinary Medicine of Turin.
Park and animals
Park Safari is located on a green hilly area of 70 hectares. Natural conditions of living close to their natural habitats were created for many animals. This, in the first place, concerns herbivores. All zones fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape. There is a route about 5 kilometers long along the park territory, part of which can be crossed on foot, and part – by car. Following the route, you can observe more than 350 representatives of 40 different species of animals. Among them, only 2 species of birds – black swan and ostrich Emu. Out of the 14 species of reptiles, salamander, boa, royal python, green iguana and Argentine lizard can be distinguished. The park has the largest number of mammals – 31 species. Among them there are many animals that are familiar to the visitor, and quite interesting specimens: lions, tigers, lynxes, jaguars, pumas, Watusi bulls, alpacas, monkeys, hippos, zebras, bison, camels, wildebeest, wallabies. There really is something to see.
Park services
In addition to the safari program, it is possible to visit the above mentioned reptiles, which are housed in a separate room with the proper conditions. Near the house of reptiles there is an open bar, built in the form of a turtle. Next to it there is a children's playground, as well as a peasant museum. The tools used by the local residents for agriculture before the era of active automation of production are exhibited in the latter. The park offers excursions for schools and small tourist groups. Here you can immerse yourself in the fascinating animal world, from which you do not want to return to the urban concrete jungle.
How to get there
The safari park is located next to the municipality of Murazzano, on Via Rea Sottana. It is only 90 kilometers to Turin from the park. From the Porta Nuova station in Turin, take the train to Alba, then take the shuttle bus 70 to Rodello. From the latter, the zoo can be reached by bus of Bus Company, stop S. benedetto. If you are traveling by car, it is worth to travel from the city on the E717 motorway towards Savona, then proceed through the A33 exit to Cherasco. From this town you need to move along the SP661motorway along the signposts to Murazzano.
Opening hours: varies depending on the time of year. In December and January the zoo is closed. In November and February, the park can be visited on Sunday, and in March and October – from Saturday to Monday, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. From April to September, the park is open from 9:30 to 18:30, Tuesday is a day off, and in August – every day. Phone numbers (+39) 338 5079432, (+39) 0173 791142.
Admission: an adult ticket costs 15 euros, a child ticket costs 9 euros. The price for groups is – 10 euros and 8 euros respectively. Data of April 2018.
