Prague Zoo´s African Savannah is inhabited again

News

22. 04. 2022


With the advent of spring, Prague Zoo’s large African enclosure has welcomed its usual seasonal inhabitants. Sable antelopes, blesboks, beisa oryx and nearly two dozen lechwe – as of Thursday they have all been roaming the grassy meadow near the African House. On Friday morning, they were joined by one of Africa’s most colourful ungulates – Grevy’s zebras and, most notably, a herd of northern giraffes.

Besides the unmistakable giraffes, Prague Zoo’s African Savannah is also inhabited by Grevy’s zebras - the largest of all zebras, characterized by their thick and close-set stripes. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo Besides the unmistakable giraffes, Prague Zoo’s African Savannah is also inhabited by Grevy’s zebras - the largest of all zebras, characterized by their thick and close-set stripes. Photo Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo

“To be honest, we only see such mass enthusiasm in the animals once a year, which is when they first go out into the outdoor run,” said Barbora Dobiášová, the curator of ungulates. “This year, their enclosure has been expanded to include the area that leads up to the footbridge leading to the future Gorilla House. So, we have also created a new feeding area for the antelopes over there, this means visitors will appreciate being able to have a good look at them from the other side too.”

The African enclosure at the top of the zoo will be inhabited until the cold weather returns. That’s when the thermophilic species usually take their leave to overwinter in the indoor quarters. This generally happens in mid-October.

Sable antelopes running outside for the first time after winter. This species stands out for its contrasting colouring - the white belly is complemented by an almost black colouration, especially in adult males. It is also the reason for the species’ common name. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo