Prague Zoo: Director Bobek presented new plans. Převalský’s horses return, they open the gorilla pavilion
The approach of zoos in the breeding of individual animal species has changed considerably since the last century. Earlier, visitors could not see the tied animals on a chain in small enclosures. Fortunately, this is no longer the case today. That is why the Prague Zoo can boast new pavilions and more are planned in the coming years.
Gorillas in the new
The nearest opening is the pavilion, which they will be able to see at the end of September this year. “The first thoughts about the construction of a new pavilion came after the floods in 2013. The existing pavilion is in a floodplain, so it was clear that the animals needed to be moved,” said Miroslav Bobek, director of the Prague Zoo.
At that time, the city district of Prague-Troja was not at all enthusiastic about the plans for the construction of the new pavilion. “They were afraid that the new pavilion would disrupt the appearance of the Trojan Basin,” the headmaster said. However, the project was designed to have the whole pavilion has a green roof and basically from the top view it is impossible to distinguish from the surrounding nature. The new pavilion will be full of tropical greenery, in addition to gorillas, there will also be paresis and the whole atmosphere of the Cameroonian rainforest in the pavilion. will complete the authentic sound recorded right in the rainforest.
“The pavilion will be located inentrance to the zoo. This will reduce traffic in the Troja and Bohnice areas, “explained Petr Hlubuček, Deputy Mayor for the Environment (STAN).
Return of Převalský’s horses
The Przewalski’s horses will also return to the zoo in about two years. Now most are located in the kennel in Dolní Dobřejov. The capital wants a tender for the construction of new enclosures for the “flagship” of the Prague Zoo as the founder listed by the end of July. The former exhibition was outdated and very unsatisfactory. The new enclosures will be more reminiscent of the Gobi Desert, where the Prague Zoo has already sent nine carriages of these rare horses to help them return to their natural habitat.
“The new stables will be in a ground floor building with six interconnected boxesthree overgrown with greenery and shrubs. The building will also have facilities for animal breeders. The shade in the summer months and the shelter of horses behind the rain should be taken care of by the designed awning, on which the plants will crawl in the future, “said the Prague Zoo earlier. The cost of the whole project according to the director of the zoo should not exceed 50 million crowns.
Arctic exposure
The construction of a new pavilion for polar bears is currently in the form of plans on paper. Prague currently has a zoning decision for the construction of an exhibition called the Arctic. Currently, polar bears are in the exhibition from 1933, which is completely unsatisfactory.
“The current exhibition is the oldest in our zoo. In addition, it is oriented to the east, which is the worst option for animals that need cold. If the next Prague management fails to enforce a plan to build a new pavilion, Prague Zoo will not be able to breed polar bears“Bobek said.
The new pavilion should grow on the opposite side of the garden than it is now. It should include two paddocks with four saltwater pools. In addition to polar bears, seals should also settle in the new pavilion. “It would be one of the biggest investments. The estimated costs are really highabout half a billion crowns. But it must be said that similar projects have been built for decades, “Bobek.
According to Deputy Hlubuček, Prague could obtain a building permit for the construction of a new pavilion this year. In 2023, a new exhibition could begin to be built, if the new council supports the project. The work should then take about two years.
On May 26, 2021, the construction of a new gorilla pavilion continued in the Prague Zoo. It should open in the fall of 2022.
Author: ČTK / Deml Ondřej