Animals have always been a source of entertainment and pleasure for both children and adults which is why we have searched the island and found some truly exciting places where you can enjoy the animal kingdom.
By Vasiliki Michaelas
In our hectic and busy lives we often fail to stop and take in the beauty of the nature around us and the joy it can afford. Animals help us to connect with nature and the natural world which is why bringing children into contact with them from an early age is such a good thing. Cyprus has some beautiful parks and reserve areas that you can enjoy as a whole family. From the donkey sanctuaries to aquariums and bird parks there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Larnaca
The Camel Park invites you to take a trip round the grounds of the park or a safari ride on one of the well-trained camels, allowing you to enjoy the countryside from a great vantage point. The camel ride lasts about 15 minutes and is an experience not to be missed. There is also a Noah’s Ark in the park with different animals around it such as goats, ostriches, deer, ponies, horses, and donkeys to name a few. You can also feed the animals with carobs which you can buy on the premises.
Extra Tip: The park also has a swimming pool, play area and restaurant for you to enjoy.
Opening hours: Winter – daily 09:00am – 05:00pm. Summer – daily 09:00am – 07:00pm.
Admission: Adults €3.00 Children €2.00
Camel rides are €9.00 for adults and €6.00 for children of which the entrance fee will be deducted from this price.
Kiti-Zygi road, Mazotos, 24 991243
Ocean Aquarium is something the whole family will enjoy. Observe the aquatic life from lakes, rivers, seas and oceans from around the world and witness the wonders of the deep from the beautiful riches of the coral reefs to the dark depths of the Atlantic Ocean. You will encounter 400 different species of sea life including eels and sharks and be dazzled by the vast corals that lie hidden in the oceans. There are also ponds filled with fish and turtles, and swamps containing crocodiles as well as ducks.
Extra Tip: The aquarium has 15,000sq. meters of gardens where you can walk among tropical plant life.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00am – 06:00pm.
Admission: Adults € 11.00, children € 7.00
Located on the main road between Paralimni and Protaras, 23 741111
Dipotamos Donkey Farm is set in beautiful surroundings of citrus, apricot, fig and carob plantations. The aim of the farm is to revive old Cypriot traditions and learn about Cypriot village life by walking around the spacious farm and seeing donkeys and birds. The farm has over 35 donkeys on which you can ride along the olive and orange groves. The farm features a museum, souvenir shop, olive press and a restaurant.
Extra Tip: After the donkey trips a barbecue is served at the restaurant.
Opening hours: The farm is open on request.
Admission: €5
G.P.Dipotamos Donkey Farm, Skarinou, 99 620736
Limassol
The Wild Valley Resort Ostrich Farm is where you can learn all about the ostriches and meet them face to face. There is also a playground which includes a bouncy castle, mini football, and swings. There is a guided tour of the farm which boasts breathtaking views, and the restaurant serves a mixture of Cypriot and Mediterranean cuisine.
Extra Tip: Visit the souvenir shop where you can find a wide selection of ostrich products.
Opening times: Daily except Monday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Admission: Free
Wild Valley Resort, Pissouri-Plataniskia Road, 25 711110
The Donkey Sanctuary Cyprus at Vouni village has more than 120 donkeys inviting you to go and visit. The animals come from all over the island and are housed in one of the 12 units at the sanctuary. About half a mile away from the main sanctuary is the area called Stena which is now the headquarters where there is a visitors’ centre, comprising a shop, lavatories, a facility for drinks and other refreshments, and a picnic area. Once there you can adopt and support one of the donkeys.
Extra Tip: If you call a few days in advance the sanctuary can organise for you to groom and take a donkey out for a walk.
Opening times: Daily 10:00am – 04:00pm
Admission: Free. Donations are welcome.
4772 Vouni Village, Limassol, 25 945488
Lemesos Zoo Garden was opened more than 50 years ago with animals brought there from circuses or other zoos from around the world. It currently hosts around 300 animals including birds and will soon be moving to new bigger premises better suited for the animals. A small train is available to take visitors on tours around the Municipal Botanic Gardens. The zoo also has a recreational centre and cantine.
Extra Tip : Whilst at the zoo take a trip to the Natural History Museum in the grounds.
Opening times : Summer open daily 9 :00am – 7 :00pm. Winter open daily 9 :00am – 4 :00pm.
Admission : Adults €1.35 Children €0.65
The zoo is found on the Limassol coastal road, 25 588345.
The Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre that overlooks the salt lake is a bounty of visual delights and information. On the first floor is an observatory with binoculars, telescopes and large coloured photographs of the different wading birds for easy identification. There is an interesting two kilometre circular walking route that takes participants into Akrotiri village where they have the opportunity to see the basket makers at work using reeds gathered from the salt lake and the marshes of the area and there is the opportunity to purchase a variety of baskets. Participants also visit the village church before returning to the Centre for some bird watching! Along the Akrotiri peninsula 260 different types of bird species have been recorded such as the migratory flamingos as well as the two species of marine turtle – the Green (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) that lay their eggs in the sands on the beaches on the peninsula
Extra Tip: On the ground floor of the centre there are interactive computers and other games that children can use to help learn about the natural wealth of the area. A 20 minute documentary is also available for visitors to watch in the projection room.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 08:00am – 3:00pm. Closed on Saturdays and public holidays.
Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre, Akrotiri village, 25 826562
Paphos
Paphos Bird and Animal Park is a large bird park to the north of Paphos and Coral Bay. As well as birds it is also home to a number of other animals where children can see the likes of giraffes, red kangaroos and iguanas. At the children’s farm you can get up close and personal with the bunny rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks and goats. Face painting is offered and there is a playground where the little ones can run around. There is also a restaurant and snack bar boasting beautiful views of Paphos. The park also runs an adoption scheme.
Extra Tip: There is an amphitheatre where bird shows take place.
Opening times: 1st April – 30th September open daily from 09:00am – 08:00pm
1st October – 31st March open daily from 09:00am – 05:00pm.
Admission: Adult €15.50, children €8.50
St George, Pegia, Paphos, 26 813 852
Paphos Aquarium invites you to enter a mysterious underwater world and experience life in the fascinating realms of the deep. Sea and freshwater fish comprise the wide range of species on view at the Aquarium, where careful consideration has been taken in recreating their natural environment. There are 72 spacious, environmentally friendly tanks, and a restaurant on the premises overlooks the town's picturesque port and its brooding castle, and there's a gift shop within the complex too.
Extra Tip: Make sure you don’t miss the crocodiles at the aquarium.
Opening times: 09:00am – 07:00pm
Admission: Adults €8, children under 12 €4.
Kato Paphos, Next to Theoskepasti Church, 26 953920.
Argonaftis Donkey Farm began as a shelter and veterinary care for the Cyprus Donkey, which was on the verge of becoming an endangered species. It has now become a unique day out for people of all ages. There are 75 donkeys at the shelter and people can meet and pet the friendly baby donkeys before a safety briefing takes place about how to ride & control the Cyprus Donkey. A 25 minute donkey ride through the riverbed and along country tracks takes place passing local shepherds with flocks of grazing sheep and goats. There is a kiosk on the farm where you can enjoy local delicacies such as halloumi and wine and an evening event with dinner and dancing all included in the price.
Extra Tip: There are evening events which include a ride into the village as well as dinner and dancing.
Opening times: The tour of the farm and Kelokedara village is from Tuesday – Sunday in the afternoon. If you prefer to arrange a group visit then call in advance to arrange a donkey ride or lunch or both.
Admission: For the organised tour it is €65 for adults and €32.50 for children and includes donkey rides, tour of Kelokedara village, dinner and dancing. Family packages are available.
The farm is located in the Xeros river valley, 25 586333.
Stavros tis Psokas Forest Reserve is in the heart of the Paphos forest, the largest pine forest (Pinus Brutia) of the island and can be reached from Paphos, via Kannaviou, or from Polis Chrysochous. Nearby there is an enclosure where visitors can admire the renowned Ovis gmelini aphion (Cyprus Mouflon) and the Dama dama, a dear introduced to Cyprus from abroad. At the Stavros tis Psokas Forest station there is a hostel and a cafeteria as well as an organised picnic area.
Extra Tip: There are three nature trails in the area for you to enjoy.
Opening times:
Stavros Tis Psokas Forest Reserve, Paphos.
Snake George’s Reptile Centre is also a great place to see snakes and other reptiles on the island however it is currently closed awaiting a permit. For more information call 99 987685.
Nicosia
Melios Pet Park started from the owner’s love of birds and has now grown into a pet park which includes birds as well as other animals. The birds and animals are situated in an idyllic setting where the cages are amongst the trees and plants, with paths that lead you through and around the park. The Melios Pet Park can boast that it was the first to bring a number of animals to the island such as wallabies. There is a children’s play area close to the restaurant which serves light snacks and refreshments so you can relax in the cafe and watch the children play.
Extra Tip: Watch out for the Highlander cow that can weigh over 1200 pounds!
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 09.00 - 20.00. Closed Mondays
Korinthou, Ayioi Trimithias, 2671, Nicosia, 22 835920
Kykkos Park Nicosia is a lovely park where visitors can see a wide variety of birds and other animals. Set within a small moat there is an aviary with smaller birds. There is also a bigger aviary with larger tropical birds such as parrots as well as a menagerie with monkeys and baboons. Walking around the park you’ll see black and white swans, pharaohs, pheasants as well as peacocks and partridges.
Extra Tip: Look out for the giant turtles which are an awesome sight.
Opening times: 4:00pm - 9:00pm during the summer months. During the winter 4:00pm until sunset.