A new exhibition for polar bears after almost 90 years. Otherwise, Prague will lose the beasts
The Prague Zoo is preparing a new Arctic exhibition, which will be inhabited mainly by polar bears. According to the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek, their current dwelling, which has been operating since the 1930s, is unsatisfactory. In addition, the current exposition of beasts of Arctic origin stands on the “hot” southern slope and lags behind the developed gardens.
“The opinion on the quality of life of polar bears in care is constantly improving and in the future only top gardens will be seen. If we do not fundamentally miss the conditions of their breeding, we will not be able to maintain them,” said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlubuček (STAN) and recommend that Polar bears have been associated with the Prague Zoo for almost 90 years.
The current polar bear exhibition was opened in 1933 and, according to director Miroslav Bobek, is the oldest facility in the zoo. Bears have lived in it since the beginning – as the only animals in the zoo. For others, their homes were gradually moved or renovated. Now the white beasts will finally live.
“The polar bear dwelling is located on a south-east-facing slope, which heats up to very high temperatures during the warmer months,” the garden director warned. This, of course, does not suit Arctic beasts. However, incorrect location of the paddock is not the only problem. another is the size, the paddock and the pool are too small. And overall about the need for facilities where animals have lived for decades.
Plenty of space for fun and solitude
The Arctic exhibition will be designed to be 8,000 square meters in size. There will be two paddocks and four swimming pools, as well as various activation elements and places to cool down. I count on rest areas for solitary beasts and especially for pregnant females. In addition to polar bears, other animals, such as the common seal, will inhabit the exhibition. The construction of a restaurant and other visitor areas is also planned.
The founder of the zoo, the capital city of Prague, will decide on the final form of the exhibition and its location – on the northwest side of the zoo, next to Gočár’s houses. His decision will also determine when construction will begin and how much it will cost. “Now the project documentation for the building permit is being prepared,” zoo director Bobek told ČTK.
The Troja Zoo first opened on September 28, 1931. It breeds over 670 species of animals. It is one of the most visited places in Prague and the Czech Republic. Last year, almost 1.5 million visitors came to it. This year, attendance was affected by the coronavirus spring wave, when the zoo was closed due to government measures. According to an earlier statement by director Bobek, the zoo has been recording lower attendance since September.
It is now necessary to have a mouth and nose covered and a spacing covered indoors. The Indonesian Jungle Pavilion and Lemur Exposition have been closed to the public since Saturday, September 19. The reason is that people can get covid-19 just like humans. Guided feeding, guided tours, and school curricula, among others, have been temporarily suspended until October 18. It follows from the information on the zoo’s website.