Zakázanka Path

Photo: Tomáš Adamec, Prague Zoo

After a four-decade hiatus, the Zakázanka Path—cut into the rock outcrop—was reopened to the public in 2013. This 500-metre educational trail highlights the natural and geological features of the rock formation and its surroundings, while offering exceptional views of both the zoo and the city of Prague.

Originally constructed in the 1930s as a passage carved into the rock face, the path leads from the Great Aviary to the refreshment area “V Oboře”. The rock cliff it traverses is of high biological and geological value. Its south-facing slopes are home to a rich community of thermophilic animal and plant species, including some that are very rare and protected. Over time, however, the area became overgrown with invasive woody plants, whose shade created unsuitable conditions for these sun-loving species. At the same time, the rock began to erode, and there was an increased risk of rockfalls.

Between 2011 and 2013, we carried out extensive revitalisation of the area to restore its original biodiversity. Invasive vegetation was removed and the rock face stabilised using mesh netting. The path, closed since the 1970s due to the landslide risks, was made accessible once again. Information panels were installed at selected points along the route, presenting the unique flora and fauna of the rocky steppe, as well as the geological features of the cliff.

The experience of walking the Zakázanka Path is further enhanced by the views it offers over Prague and the zoo grounds. The trail also features a natural exhibit of native Czech reptiles—which even overwinter here—and provides a rare bird’s-eye view of the mountain ungulate enclosures, which also serve as nesting grounds for a free-living colony of grey herons.