Location:
The ZOO is located in the beautiful Troja basin with meadows, rocks and extensive water areas. The lower plain and damp part of the ZOO complex is separated from the upper dry one by a sizeable cliff. In the complex there is a children’s playground, two restaurants and other possibilities of refreshment and buying souvenirs. The ZOO is easily reachable by public transport (by underground, line C and by bus nr. 112).
Area:
58 ha, expositional area 42 ha, the re-acclimatization station of Przewalski horses is located in Dobřejov on 17 ha.
Established:
In 1931
Visit rate:
527 660 visitors (1997)
Specialization:
Breeding of species, which are endangered due to extirpation, such as: Przewalski horse, antelopes, carnivores, water birds, lizards. The ZOO has a significant merit in preservation of the genetic resources of Przewalski horse; it participates in the program of repatriation of vulture species, northern vole and night heron. It participates in 45 European preservation programs of the EEP. The exposition consists of around 300 rare species of plants and trees; some of them are unique.
Breeds:
506 mammals in 113 species, 632 birds in 159 species, 117 reptiles in 34 species.
The most significant species:
Giant turtle, Chinese alligator, giant iguana, red panda, hyena, cheetah, catamount, tiger, rhinoceros, Przewalski horse, bongo, addax, lemur, orang-utan, lowland gorilla and other species. The number of the breeding animals listed in the Red Book of endangered animals: 58, the number of breeding species endangered in Czech nature: 14.
Recommended visit:
Pavilion of felidae, large aviary for birds of prey, pavilion of big mammals, water birds breeding, free runs for giraffes and polar bears, exposition of small American carnivores.
Rarity:
The tropical forest dog is an interesting animal, which is very difficult to propagate in fetter. However the Prague ZOO has succeeded to breed dozens of them, some of which were transported back to their native nature in Ecuador. The tahr of Himalayas and other cloven-hoofed animals can be seen in an exposition on a natural rock.
