Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo, located in the Troja district, is one of the most important zoological gardens in the world, famous for its biodiversity and its commitment to the conservation of endangered species. Inaugurated on September 28, 1931, the zoo covers an area of 58 hectares, of which 50 are visitable, and houses over 4,000 animals belonging to more than 600 species, many of which are threatened with extinction. The history of the Prague Zoo began in 1881, when Count Sweerts-Sporck proposed the creation of a zoological garden for the city of Prague on the occasion of the marriage of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria to Princess Stéphanie of Belgium. However, the project only took shape in 1922, thanks to a donation of land by magnate Alois Svoboda. The construction of the zoo officially began in the 1930s and, despite various difficulties, it was inaugurated in 1931. The first “resident” of the zoo was the lioness Lotta, soon followed by the Przewalski’s horses, a species that the Prague Zoo played a crucial role in saving from extinction. In fact, the zoo has achieved significant success in the breeding and reintroduction of these horses into the wild, contributing significantly to the conservation of the species. One of the most distinctive features of the zoo is the variety of environments recreated to house the animals. Among the main attractions are the House of the Giant Salamander, the Valley of the Elephants, the Hippopotamus House, the Gorilla Pavilion, and the Indonesian Jungle. Each area is designed to faithfully reproduce the animals’ natural habitat, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience. The 2002 flood was one of the most difficult challenges for the zoo, causing serious damage to the structures and putting the lives of many animals at risk. Thanks to a significant reconstruction effort, the zoo has not only been restored but has also improved its facilities, becoming one of the best zoological gardens in the world. In 2007, Forbes Traveler Magazine ranked the Prague Zoo seventh among the best zoos in the world. The zoo is easily accessible from the center of Prague by various means of transportation. During the summer season, it is also possible to reach the zoo with a charming boat ride along the Vltava River. Once there, visitors can spend the entire day exploring the numerous attractions and enjoying the leisure facilities, such as children’s play areas, picnic areas, and restaurants.