Natura Viva Park (Living Nature Park)
This is a safari park and zoo located in Bussolengo, Verona province, near Lake Garda (an hour’s drive).
The total area of the park exceeds 40 hectares. About 1500 animals belonging to more than 250 wild species live here. The area of the park covers almost 240,000 square meters, and your route is 7 km long.
The park, which was originally called ‘Parco Zoo del Garda’, was opened to the public on June 25, 1969. This event occurred thanks to the initiative of its founder – Verona architect Alberto Avesani and his wife Georgia. Originally, there was a regular farm here, existing since 1933.
The park is divided into two main areas for visitors: a safari park, where visitors move in their own vehicles, and a zoo, intended only for pedestrians. A trip in the safari area lasts about half an hour. However, you can stop the car off the road and observe the animals for longer. It is possible to rent a jeep with a capacity of 5 to 9 seats. For this, you need to bring your driver’s license and inform the time of your visit in advance.
After the car trip, it is possible to visit the zoo area, which is pedestrian. The fauna of the park is unlike classic zoos. The territory here is large and hilly. To traverse it, you will have to walk about 4 kilometers on gravel paths. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking in the zoo. Many secluded spots have been created for the animals, so seeing them up close can be quite challenging.
The zoo area is divided into 4 macro-regions associated with five continents: Africa, Oceania, Asia, America, Europe. About 90% of the animals in Natura Viva Park live in this place. There is also an area with models of extinct ancient animals. Guests can learn about the lives of hippos, rhinos, antelopes, admire lions through giant glass windows, and see chimpanzees, Barbary macaques, meerkats, and lemurs.
The infrastructure of the zoo ensures a comfortable stay for all categories of visitors. There are restaurants, snack bars, playgrounds, and toilets. The entire territory of the Fauna Park is lush with greenery, making it pleasant to walk here even on the hottest summer days.
A special children’s area has been created for young visitors with piglets, kids, guinea pigs, and other animals. Peacocks roam throughout the park, and parrots and other exotic birds fly around. In the Fauna Park area, there is a pavilion-greenhouse with tropical butterflies and exotic plants. There is a bat area in their natural habitat.
Open every day except December 24 and 25.
