Pombia Safaripark, Pombia
Pombia Safaripark (Parco Safari Pombia) in the province of Novara is not just a zoo. Moreover, it is not even a safari park, as we imagine it. This is a real entertainment center, closely intertwined with exotic animals. And if you take into consideration only safari parks, then it is the largest among its kind in all of Italy.
History of the park
Originally the park was created as one of the first of its kind called "Zoo Safari" in 1976. Its founder was the well-known Italian TV presenter Angelo Lombardi. For many years the park existed, so to speak "drifted", gradually falling into decay. By the end of the 20th century, the structure of the zoo was completely dilapidated. In 1999, it was bought by a new owner, Orfeo Triberti. And during the following years he turned it into the best in the country. Infrastructure has been modernized, many modern attractions and educational programs were created.
In July 2011, the park established non-profit organization Sos Elephants, and in 2014 this initiative has achieved significant success. Its mission is to protect and preserve elephants on the island of Borneo, which are a dwarf subspecies of their larger Asian counterparts. The purpose of the organization is to create reservations on the island to preserve and reproduce the population of these animals. To do this, some amount from each entrance ticket to the park is given to the defenders of the elephants.
Infrastructure and services
The park is spread over an area of 43 hectares. It contains more than 600 mammals and birds of about 60 different species, as well as a huge number of reptiles, fish and insects. The majority of them are exotic species, some species can surprise even sophisticated naturalists. They are contained in spacious aviaries, recreating their natural habitat. In addition to the standard car safari among various fauna representatives, the park offers a visit to the park of dinosaurs with reconstructions of the most famous prehistoric reptiles. In the structure of the zoo there is a house of reptiles, an aquarium, an insectarium and a Farm of the Wild West. The entourage of the American ranch of the 19th century is recreated in the latter, with bison, donkeys, horses, goats, and poultry that live here.
The administration of the park offers to visit 3 different shows. These are flights of predatory birds, a show of parrots where intelligent birds display their intelligence. And also a show in Spanish style with the horses participating in it. For children, there are many attractions here: a Ferris wheel, water slides, a pirate ship, a trampoline, a 6D cinema and go-karting. And, of course, all kinds of institutions offering food for every taste are available in the park.
It is worth to note that parking and visits to all activities related to animals are included in the price of the ticket, in contrast to most parks. And only attractions and food have a separate fee.
How to get there
Pombia Safaripark is located in the commune of the same name, on Via Larino, 3. At 7 km from it there is a wildlife park. To Turin from the zoo it is 120 km, Milan is much closer – 65 km. The easiest way to get there is a train. Both cities can be reached from the central stations, with a transfer in Novara. You need to leave at the station Marano Ticino. From it to the park it is about 30 minutes on foot. If you are traveling by car, take the A4 motorway (both from Turin and from Milan), take the SS32 motorway near Novara and follow the signs to Pombia.
Opening hours: 10–23 March and 1–14 October, as well as during Christmas holidays (from 26 December to 6 January) from 10:00 to 16:00, from 24 March to 30 September from 10:00 to 17:00. The amusement park works 2 hours longer. In winter the park is closed. Phone numbers for information (+39) 0321 956431, (+39) 11838028.
Admission: the price of an adult ticket is 18 euros, for children (3-11) – 13 euros. For children under 3 – admission is free. For pensioners over 65, the ticket price is 15 euros. Price for people with disabilities – 7 euros, for one attendant – 11 euros. Data of May 2018.
