Zoo di Maglio: An amazing place for the whole family

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of care and love for animals, where a special atmosphere prevails. The Zoo di Maglio is not just a holiday destination, but a real home for the many rescued animals who have been lucky enough to find a new life here.

This cosy zoo, home to many animals, is perfect for families with children and for people of all ages. The zoo offers free demonstrations and additional paid experiences for those who want to get up close and personal with the animals. Special emphasis is placed on helping animals, mostly rescued and in need of care.

Details about visiting Zoo di Maglio and useful tips for your visit can be found further down.

About Zoo di Maglio

Zoo di Maglio was founded in the 1960s and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Zoo di Maglio is a unique place, more like a rescue centre than a traditional zoo. It provides a home for animals that have been unwanted or abandoned elsewhere.

Many of di Maglio Zoo's residents are former pets, animals that would have been put to sleep due to lack of homes, or rescued from places where they could no longer be kept. The zoo provides them with safety, care and enough food to keep them healthy.

Notably, Zoo di Maglio participates in the Swisstainable sustainability programme and is classified as Level I - 'committed'.

Opening Information

Zoo di Maglio is open daily:

• April - October = from 09.00 to 18.00;
• November - March = from 10.00 to 17.00.

Ticket prices as of 2024:

• 14 CHF for adults;
• 12 CHF for AVS/students;
• 7 CHF for children (3-15 years old).

Entrance to Zoo di Maglio in Ticino, Switzerland

Free parking is available at the entrance, and there is an additional parking space for all visitors within walking distance.

There are usually few people in the park in the morning, allowing you to enjoy a stroll without too much fuss. The park is compact but spacious enough to be easily navigated without a map.

The reasonably priced entrance fees make this place a great option for families. Inside there is a children's playground, a small cafe with snacks and drinks, and a gift shop with a variety of merchandise.

The zoo features a variety of rescued animals including monkeys, reptiles, lions, birds, rabbits, snakes, wallabies, turtles, raccoons and many more.

Animal Demonstrations

During a visit to Zoo di Maglio there are several demonstrations in Italian.

Zoo staff give professional talks about, for example, the behaviour of monkeys, the use of tails for balance, the use of stones to open nuts and the high level of intelligence of these animals. They share interesting facts, showing a deep knowledge and love for their charges as if they were pets. Each monkey is known to the staff by name, demonstrating their special bond and mutual trust.

Visitors are also actively involved in the process: they have to guess answers to questions about the monkeys' behaviour, and correct answers are rewarded with prizes. These are pictures drawn by the monkeys themselves.

It is important to remember that during these interactions with the animals, it may happen that they may not want to approach visitors. This should be respected and you should be prepared that sometimes the animals may not show interest. So, you may pay for a similar experience at the zoo, but you may not always get the interaction you expect.

It's worth seeing the experience as an opportunity to support the zoo and its rescued animals by treating the fee as a donation. If the animals come up to say hello, it will be a nice added bonus.

Summary

A visit to the Zoo di Maglio in Ticino is recommended, especially if you want to spend some quality time and enjoy a unique experience with the animals. This zoo leaves you feeling grateful for a wonderful experience and confident that money was used for the welfare of the animals and not just for profit.

During your visit, you can see many rescued animals and learn about the importance of conservation and protection. A visit to the zoo is highly recommended for anyone travelling to the Ticino region, as a live demonstration is sure to provide new knowledge and experiences.

The Zoo di Maglio in Ticino is a great place for a fun and educational day out. There is something for everyone, whether you are a family with young children, a group of friends or just an animal lover. If you find yourself in the neighbourhood, be sure to include it in your itinerary - it will be an unforgettable experience.

Additional tips:

• Plan your visit in advance: Check the zoo's website for opening hours, ticket prices and special events.
• Dress for the weather: There is a lot of walking at the zoo, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing will be essential.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat: The zoo has a lot of open spaces, so it's important to protect yourself from the sun.
• Be respectful of the animals: Don't make noise, touch or feed the animals without permission.
• Enjoy your visit: Zoo di Maglio is a great place to meet animals from all over the world and learn more about them.

FAQ

Q: Does the zoo have any special programmes or activities for children?
A: Yes, Zoo di Maglio has a children's playground and also has special demonstrations and activities geared towards children.

Q: Can I bring food and drinks with me to the zoo?
A: The zoo has a small café where you can buy snacks and drinks. However, according to zoo rules, it is not allowed to bring your own food and drinks.

Q: Is there an opportunity to take photos with the animals?
A: It is possible to take photos with the animals at Zoo di Maglio, but it is important to follow the rules and not get too close to the cages.

Q: How do I get to Zoo di Maglio?
A: Zoo di Maglio is a 20-minute drive from Lugano. It can be reached by car, bus or train. The zoo's website has detailed instructions on how to get there.