The gates of Malkia Park in Orechová Potôň first opened on June 4, 2016. It was named after the first rescued lioness, Malkia. In Swahili, the name means “queen,” and since the lion is considered the king of animals, Malkia Park can be loosely translated as the “Royal Park.” The animals that have found refuge here were mostly born in captivity and would not survive in the wild. While they sadly cannot experience true freedom, they are lovingly cared for so that they feel truly royal in their new environment.
Many species of big cats (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, lynxes, pumas, cheetahs) have found a new home here. Visitors can see gibbons, macaques, lemurs, parrots, meerkats, and tortoises up close. You can also pet and feed hoofed animals such as zebras, camels, donkeys, sheep, goats, and llamas, as well as waterfowl like geese, ducks, and swans.
Over time, other species of animals have also found a new home in the park. Unfortunately, these animals would no longer survive in the wild, so private resources have been used to create suitable conditions for them to live a new, more dignified life. In addition, the park aims to raise awareness about endangered species, promote nature conservation, and inspire respect and love for animals.
On May 5, 2022, Malkia Park (Big Cats Rescue) became the first private zoo in Slovakia and the first zoo established in the independent era of the Slovak Republic. The zoo continues to work closely with the nonprofit organization that it originally collaborated with.
Galéria
