Attica Zoological Park is the only zoo in Greece and is one of the largest and most essential in Europe and around the globe in general. The whole project is sustained by private funds, which is remarkable considering the massive costs of a park hosting such a variety of wildlife. I believe that competent bodies ought to support better essential projects like these. And they should. Although zoos are subject to criticism and controversy, in this article we will try to focus on their positive side. I believe they have a difficult task ahead of them. This is to educate and bring awareness to us of how essential wildlife is and that we should respect and protect it at any cost. Follow us on our tour to the AZP. Meet them at the park, and protect them in their natural habitat.
Spata, Greece. At a respectful distance from the center of Athens is the Attica Zoological Park (Greek: Aττικό Ζωολογικό Πάρκο). The only zoo in Greece and one of the largest in Europe, hosting more than 2000 different animals. While it is not easily accessible with the traditional means of transportation, you can visit either by car (Attiki Odos, 16R Exit) or by a combination of local buses and public transits (Pallini, Παλλήνη station). Jean-Jacques Lesueur is the founder and owner of the project.
The Attica Zoo Park opened its gates in 2000 initially as a bird park but soon became the home for a wide variety of wildlife. Almost 25 years after its inauguration, AZP hosts about 290 species, including Angola lions, giraffes, tigers, penguins, elephants, and many more. The Park is a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and of EAMM (European Association of Marine Mammals) and, as such, conforms to strict guidelines regarding animal husbandry, conservation, education, and security.
In cooperation with ΕAΖΑ, the Attica Zoological Park actively participates in 41 European Endangered Species Programs (EEPs), and 28 species are monitored and checked through a European Studbook (ΕSB). Since early 2004, the Park has been using the Zoological Information Management System (Species360), where all data from ΕΑΖΑ and WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria) members are registered. This system provides access to valuable information in areas such as breeding, veterinary care, and animal behavior—an impressive eco-awareness score.
The zoo has faced much criticism and controversy through the years because of its nature and practices. The same matters that almost every zoo around the globe is called to deal with. Moreover, in 2018, the most unfortunate incident in its history took place. Two jaguars were shot to death after their escape because they were considered a threat to the staff and the visitors (the AZP was in operation). This raised concerns about its security measures as well. Although these are dark pages for the park’s overall history, this article aims to focus on its bright side.
As a regular park visitor for over ten years, I always focused on its bright side. The respect and education on the wildlife. In these sections, AZP scores quite well. Having the opportunity to meet the animals at a safe distance is an honor to me. At least for me. Judging from what I’ve seen all these years from “humans,” it makes me wonder who the animals are. Some “people” think making “funny” noises or disturbing the animals in outrageous ways is funny. They are not little children that somehow might have been reasonable. They are adults, but they might haven’t realized it yet. It would help if you realized that you are an example for youngsters.
What should they think if they see you acting like this? I can understand your “passion” for meeting the animals, but feeding or disturbing them is not how things work. It is against the park’s core regulations, but it is also mainly plain logic. So, just stick to the rules; it is best for both them and us. Respect is essential. It is not such a difficult task.
As you wander around, you will feel like you are part of the zoo’s exhibits. A comprehensive zoo map is handed out to every visitor, so simply following it ensures you won’t miss any of it. You can see big cats, reptiles, crocodiles, penguins, elephants, bats, birds, horses, hippos, rhinos, apes, and many more. The dolphins and birds flight show are not taking place anymore, but you can visit their “home.” You will feel such reverence for all the species of the park.
The ticket costs 24 euros, and although it might sound a bit expensive, it is fair considering the whole project (Cosmote subscribers every Tuesday and Thursday can get 2 for 1 by sending a message to 19019, excluding holidays). Children under three are entry-free, and those between three and twelve would pay 18 euros. The AZP offers many discount packages for groups, etc., while an annual pass for 50 euros is available.
The zoo cafe, restaurant, and kiosks might not offer the most budget-oriented price tags, but they are what they are. As always, be careful with expiration dates. A souvenir shop is also available. You can adopt an animal and assist in the Attica Zoo Park’s sustainability, enjoying some exclusive benefits starting from 120 euros (annual fee). If you can afford it, participating in the whole project might be the best option. It is worth it.
The Attica Zoological Park opens its doors at 9:00 pm until sunset. So you have plenty of time to share with your favorite animals. One tip: if you plan to visit it in summer or stay too long, protective sun lotion is your best bet. It will come in handy. Keep in mind that the cost, including the tolls and gas, might easily get over 40 euros per person, so unfortunately, the AZP is not a budget activity. But if you ever visit Greece, especially Athens, it is worth a shot, and if you are a native, you should try to visit it at least once. Acropolis and other well-regarded museums are major sight-seeings, but Attica Zoological Park is a pleasant break worth your time. So, pin it as a place of interest on your agenda.
Some might wonder why a primary tech site posts an article about a zoo. Well, the answer is relatively simple. Technology might be our major “player,” but it is only one of our interests among others. The environment is one of them. Don’t forget that Hardware Busters, a tech-related brand (and Cybenetics as a certification agency), focus on assisting in better and more efficient PSUs and other components. As a result, that helps make things better for humans, our planet, and its other residents (less e-waste, less energy waste, etc.).
Sometimes, we might forget that we are just a part of an entire ecosystem that we should respect and protect. The better we realize it, the better for us and our planet. Technology improves things; zoos are here to help us understand and respect (the bright side). The future is us, and we are the future.
I dedicate this article to my bunny, Simba, who left me on 6/7/2024 at 8,5 years old. I miss it too much. I wish I was the last to suffer such a painful loss, but I know that it can’t be an actual scenario. For those who lost their pet, I know how hard it is for you. For those who still have them around, just don’t forget to show and give them all of your love every day, because they only have you and nothing lasts forever, unfortunately. Don’t ever forget that.
