Prague is not just a beautiful European city which is well-known for its historical squares, architectural ensembles, and cosy alleyways but also it surprises visitors of all ages with its enormously big and entertaining Prague Zoo. The Prague zoo takes the fourth place in the list of the best zoos in the world. The reason for such recognition and high evaluation lies in the desire of the zoo to restore and preserve endangered species of animals. For example, in 1932 they were able to develop a program directed to restore wild Przewalski Horses that were on the verge of extinction. As a result, currently, it is possible for people to interact with all those animals that were saved.
The history of Prague Zoo
The origin of the idea regarding the Prague Zoo formation started in 1881 when Count Sweerts-Sporck came up with a suggestion to establish a zoological park in Prague. However, the realization of the project took almost a decade during which the Association for the Establishment of a Zoological and Acclimatization Garden has emerged. Eventually, in 1931 on the 28th of September Prague Zoo was officially launched and welcomed its first visitors. From that time, the Zoo collided with certain changes which ended up with its development and flourishment.
The Prague Zoo’s Pavilions
The whole area of the Zoo covers approximately 60 hectares in which it houses fifty different thematic expositions and a variety of large pavilions where you can encounter your favourite animals. The pavilions themselves are divided into 26 sections, such as Indonesian Jungle, Gorilla Pavilion, Elephant Valley, African House, Pavilion of Penguins, Lemur Island, African Savanna, Northern Forests, Pavilion of Big Tortoises, Hippo House and others. One of the most extensive pavilions of the zoo is the Indonesian Jungle founded in 2002 which recreates the atmosphere of a tropical jungle and stands out among the pavilions. Also, the pavilion is structured in an ellipse form where we can maintain the temperature of +30 degrees in order to preserve tropical plants.
Must-see suggestions
The list of spots that you would not want to miss:
- Giant Salamander House is a pavilion where you have the possibility to see the biggest amphibious creatures in the world, i.e. Chinese Giant Salamanders or to put it differently, “freshwater panda”. In addition, they can be defined as crucially rare species of animals which are currently disappearing.
- Gorilla Pavilion is a section where you can familiarize with gorillas that are considered to be as famous “stars” of the Zoo, i.e. Nuru and Richard.
- Children’s Zoo is a great opportunity for parents to encourage their toddlers to love and take care of animals. Because this pavilion offers everyone not only the chance to observe domestic animals but also to pet, feed and cuddle them.
- Pavilion of Penguins is an exciting spot where you can see the feeding of penguins or penguin parade if the weather is good. It will indeed provide you and your child much entertainment since you can follow how they live, move, and what characteristic habits they possess.
How to get there?
U Trojského zámku 120/3, 171 00 Prague 7
Opening hours (Monday to Sunday):
June, July, August 9:00 – 21:00 hours
September, October 9:00 – 18:00 hours
November, December 9:00 – 16:00 hours
More info: Check out the source website.
Little Panda suggests that you call and check before visiting/ participating in any activity/ event/ place of interest. We are not responsible for any changes in the program as this discretion rests with the organizer.