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There are 15 zoos total in the Czech Republic. The biggest one is situated in Prague. It were the first Czech kings who started keeping exotic animals in zoological gardens. The Golden Age of the Prague Zoo came during the reign of Rudolph II, though there came a decline in the times of the 30 Years' War. It was only due to the efforts of Professor Jiri Janda (professor was a very unusual person keeping lots of animals including lions and monkeys at his country house before the zoo was built) that a decision to build a zoological garden in picturesque Trojská basin was taken. Only 10 years later first visitors were able to see the zoo. In the beginning its territory was about 8 hectares with 200 animals living there. Currently its area is over 60 hectares including more than 40 hectares of exhibition space.

We recommend taking a look at the map right away not to get lost and miss something really interesting. You can purchase a smaller copy of the map if you need. There are plenty of children playgrounds, restaurants, souvenir shops on the zoo territory, as well as soda and snack machines. The funicular works during the warmer part of the year, it will cost you 15 Kc to enjoy a one-way trip. Wooden carts for kids are available – a great way to make life easier for their parents and please the children, too. Remember to have coins ready, the machines don't give any change.

So, here you are, with the entrance of this wonderful place behind you! The Prague Zoo is not only famous for being the largest in Europe. It's peculiar because Przewalski's horses, giant turtles, rare species of lizards, antelopes, felines etc are bred there. The list of species includes 113 mammals, 159 birds, 34 reptiles, and 58 species are listed in the Red Book, 14 of which are endangered. What is more, there are 300 plant species including rare trees.

Apart from open air pavilions there are pavilions inside buildings. They include territories of tigers, panthers and other predators, giraffe, birds, monkey and insect pavilions, and a unique pavilion showcasing the atmosphere of rainforest jungle. This unprecedented pavilion, called "Indonesian Jingle", is the biggest and most expensive area in the Prague Zoo through all the years of its existence. The budget of the construction was about 185 million Kc. The exposition is a two-storey ellipse construction from glass with real tropical rainforest inside it. Making your way through the dense vegetation, you come into closest touch with most thrilling world. You can watch orangutans, gibbons, and other wildlife species in their near-natural habitat. The real waterfall is a marvelous attraction, too. Remember to visit the caves reconstructing the nocturnal animal lifestyle near the exit.

Elephants are extremely popular with children and adults, too. Gulab, a female elephant, has made friends with hundreds of people. She celebrated the 40^th anniversary of staying in the Prague Zoo on 4 July 2006. Gulab, her name meaning "Rose", was given to the zoo by an Indian businessman Sharma. The anniversary was celebrated with a match of elephant football. The zoo has not only long-liver, but newborns, too – you can see them play going from one enclose to another. In 2005 there were more than 800 babies in the zoo.

Through the years of its existence the zoo saw good and bad times as well. During the flood of 2002 half of its territory was damaged, which brought about dramatic consequences. It was the biggest flood ever. Over 100 animals died, including elephants, monkeys, rhinos. You can see the poles with water level marks of 2002 while walking around.

Within a very short period, thanks to the state financial aid and donations of the Czech people the damage was recovered and plenty of new things were introduced. About 42,500 people came the day the zoo opened after the flood.

We can tell stories about this amazing zoo forever, but nothing can compare to seeing it. There is one more advantage worth mentioning. There are 2 more attractions situated nearby – the Trojsky castle and the botanical garden. The former is famous for its art exhibitions, wine cellar where you can buy the wines you like, and a great apple garden. In the botanical garden there are hundreds of plants, trees and flowers. In autumn marrows, pumpkins, custard marrows and other vegetables grown right there are widely sold. By the way, in September 2006 there was a special offer which enabled you to visit all the three places for just 120 Kc.

Welcome and have a great time!

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You can get to the zoo by 112 city bus from the Nádrazí Holešovice metro station (line C), or by car. The parking is situated nearby, the cost is 50 Kc per day for cars and 150 Kc per day for buses. The ticket cost is ridiculous if you compare it to the amount of fun you get. Adults can enter for 90 Kc, children 3-15 years of age, students and pensioners enter for 60 Kc. Families of four get tickets for 270 Kc. The price changes according to the time of the year. If you get an ISIC card which we recommend, you can get a discount, and not only at the zoo.

The Prague Zoo is open all the year round

March

9.00 - 17.00

April, May, September, October

9.00 - 18.00

June, July, August

9.00 - 19.00

November, December, January, February

9.00 - 16.00

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