Rocky Outcrop

Mountain Ungulates, photo: Tomáš Adamec, Prague Zoo

The steep rocky slopes that run across the zoo and separate its northern and southern parts are both an attractive and ecologically valuable feature; some sections are even protected as a natural monument. At the same time, they are an invaluable asset for housing animal species adapted to cliffs and mountains.

Watch in awe as Himalayan tahrs and East Caucasian tur scale the cliffs with remarkable agility—perfectly adapted as they are to life in rugged terrain. Not far away, Barbary macaques—Europe’s only free-ranging primates, found in Gibraltar—share a large, sloping enclosure with Barbary sheep. This unique set-up offers a fascinating glimpse into the wildlife of North African mountains. You can admire them not only from below the cliffs, but also from above, from the scenic Zakázanka Path, where you will also find several exhibits of reptiles native to Czechia.

The rock outcrop is also home to a variety of birds that nest directly on the rocks. The majestic bearded vultures reside in a towering aviary—one of the oldest in the zoo, while extraordinary close-up encounters await you in the three walk-through Aviaries Under the Cliff.

At the beginning of the rock outcrop, near the main entrance, you’ll find the exhibits of North American porcupines and the ever-popular red pandas—charismatic carnivores from the Himalayas. Last but not least, parts of the slope between the Rákos’ House and Parrot Trail are planted with a vineyard where we grow grapes for our fruit-eating parrots and other zoo animals.