Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo, officially the Prague Zoological Garden, is a major zoological institution located in Prague, Czech Republic. Established in 1931, it has grown to become a significant center for wildlife study, conservation, and public education. The zoo is recognized globally for its breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like Przewalski's horse, and its commitment to advancing zoological research.
Key Facts
- ›Opened to the public on September 28, 1931.
- ›Occupied 58 hectares (140 acres) in 2013, with 50 hectares (120 acres) used for exhibits.
- ›Housed approximately 5,000 animals from 676 species in 2013.
- ›Rated as the seventh best zoo in the world by Forbes Travel Guide in 2007.
- ›Rated as the fifth best in the world by Tripadvisor.
- ›Contributed significantly to the saving and breeding of Przewalski's horse.
- Indonesian Jungle Pavilion
- Elephant Valley Pavilion
- Pavilion For Chinese Giant Salamanders
- Exhibit For Lesser Antillean Iguanas
- Exhibit For Brazilian Mergansers
- Ball's Pyramid exhibit for Lord Howe Island stick insects
Przewalski's Horse, Andean Condor, Polar Bear, Western Lowland Gorilla, Komodo Dragon, Texas Tortoise, Crowned River Turtle, Rufous-Cheeked Laughingthrush, Red Panda, Chinese Giant Salamander, Lesser Antillean Iguana, Chinese Pangolin, Brazilian Merganser, Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, Sumatran Orangutan
- Saving Przewalski's Horse
- Return of the Wild Horses reintroduction and in situ conservation project
- Breeding program for critically endangered Chinese giant salamanders
- Breeding Program For Lesser Antillean Iguanas
- Captive Breeding of Chinese Pangolins
- Conservation Program For Brazilian Mergansers
- Conservation program for Lord Howe Island stick insects
About Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo, officially the Zoological Garden of the Capital City of Prague (Czech: Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy), is a zoological park situated in the Troja district of Prague, Czech Republic. Established with the aims of advancing zoological study, protecting wildlife, and educating the public, the zoo first opened its gates in 1931. It has since grown into one of Europe's most respected zoological institutions, recognized globally for its significant contributions to conservation and breeding programs.
History and Development
The concept of a zoological garden in Prague emerged in the late 19th century, with the idea gaining momentum in 1919 when a committee was formed to prepare for its establishment. The zoo officially opened on September 28, 1931, under the direction of its founding director, Jiří Janda. Early successes included the world's first artificially bred Andean condor in 1938 and a polar bear named Ilun in 1942. Under the directorship of Dr. Zdeněk Veselovský from 1959, the zoo achieved notable advancements in breeding and scientific research.
Significant infrastructure developments occurred with the opening of pavilions for large mammals in 1971 and big cats in 1991. The zoo's commitment to conservation was highlighted in 2001 with the world's first artificial breeding of a Przewalski's Horse. Despite facing severe challenges from historical floods in 2002 and again in 2013, which caused animal losses and damage, Prague Zoo demonstrated remarkable resilience. A strong wave of public support and donations enabled its subsequent flourishing.
Notable Achievements and Exhibits
Prague Zoo has consistently been recognized for its quality, being rated highly by publications like Forbes Travel Guide and TripAdvisor. The zoo's dedication to conservation is evident in its leading role in breeding and reintroducing Przewalski's horses to Mongolia. Other significant breeding successes include the first Western lowland gorilla born in the Czech Republic (Moja), the first breeding of Komodo dragons at the zoo, and the first successful breeding of the Texas tortoise in Europe.
More recent achievements include the opening of a large new Elephant Valley pavilion in 2013, the establishment of a pavilion for critically endangered Chinese giant salamanders featuring the largest specimens in Europe, and becoming one of the few zoos globally with a breeding pair of Lesser Antillean iguanas. In 2023, the zoo celebrated the first birth of a Chinese pangolin in captivity, offering hope for the species' survival. Prague Zoo has also become a key institution for the critically endangered Brazilian merganser and is involved in conservation programs for the Lord Howe Island stick insect. While the zoo is a hub for conservation and education, it has also faced tragedies, such as the drowning of a Sumatran orangutan in 2024, which raised discussions about enclosure safety.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Prague Zoo founded?
The idea for a zoological garden in Prague was first proposed in 1881. The zoo was officially opened to the public on September 28, 1931, with Jiří Janda as its founding director.
What is the size of Prague Zoo?
In 2013, Prague Zoo occupied a total area of 58 hectares, which is equivalent to 140 acres. Of this, 50 hectares (120 acres) were actively used for animal exhibits.
How many animals and species does Prague Zoo house?
As of 2013, Prague Zoo housed approximately 5,000 individual animals representing 676 different species. This collection included 132 species that were listed as threatened.
What are some of Prague Zoo's notable conservation achievements?
Prague Zoo has played a crucial role in saving Przewalski's horse, being a leading breeder of the subspecies and transporting them back to the Mongolian steppes. They also achieved the world's first artificial breeding of a Przewalski's Horse in 2001.
Has Prague Zoo experienced any major challenges?
Yes, Prague Zoo suffered significantly during the devastating floods of 2002, which resulted in the deaths of 134 animals. The zoo was flooded again in June 2013, though most animals were evacuated in time.
What are some of the unique exhibits or breeding successes at Prague Zoo?
The zoo opened the 'Indonesian Jungle' pavilion in 2004, which was the largest and most expensive animal pavilion in the country at the time. They have also had notable firsts in breeding species like the crowned river turtle, rufous-cheeked laughingthrush, Texas tortoise, and Chinese pangolin.
Related Zoos
Brno Zoo
Brno Zoo, located in Brno-Bystrc, Czech Republic, is a zoological garden established in 1953. It plays a significant role in the captive breeding of both globally endangered and locally threatened species, participating in programs coordinated by the European Endangered Species Programme and becoming a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Hluboká Zoo
Hluboká Zoo, also known as Ohrada Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic. Opened in 1939, the zoo primarily focuses on animals native to the European Palearctic zoogeographical region and the Czech Republic, making it a significant institution for regional wildlife studies and conservation.
Hodonín Zoo
Hodonín Zoo is a zoological garden situated on the northwestern outskirts of Hodonín in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. Established in 1976, it was significantly impacted by a tornado in 2021, but continues its operations.