Events

 

FEBRUARY

Commented Feedings and Animal Talks: Held at weekends. Visit the animals when they are at their most active and uncover fascinating insights into their lives. Encounters with popular species, accompanied by engaging commentary, take place throughout the day—just take your pick! Outdoor sessions run only in fine weather.

Exhibitions:
Gočár’s Houses Gallery (weekends only, 10 am – 3 pm): The Barrandian: Testimony of the Prehistoric Sea
Yurt (daily, during the zoo’s opening hours): How the Wild Horses Regain Their Freedom
Terrace in front of the Education Centre (daily, during the zoo’s opening hours): The Wildlife of Kenya

1. 2. (Sun) World Wetlands Day Celebration
Discover animals that inhabit wetlands in the Czech Republic as well as around the world.

Commented feedings and animal talks:

• 10:15 am Talapoin feeding (Dja Reserve)
• 10:45 am Archerfish feeding (Indonesian Jungle)
• 12:00 pm Talk at the Bird Wetlands
• 12:45 pm Talk on European pond turtles (Giant Tortoise House)
• 1:00 pm Hippo feeding (Hippo House)
• 2:00 pm Talk on Caribbean and Chilean flamingos (Water World and Monkey Islands)
• 2:30 pm Talk on greater flamingos (Water World and Monkey Islands)
• 3:30 pm Talk on the birds of the Pantanal exhibit (Rákos’ House)

7. 2. (Sat) Reverse the Red Day
Learn about conservation projects coordinated by Prague Zoo that focus on protecting threatened species, and discover which animal species have been saved from extinction thanks to breeding under human care.

Commented feedings and animal talks:

• 10:00 am Talk on European bison (Plains)
• 10:30 am Gorilla feeding (Mefou Centre)
• 11:00 am Talk on Egyptian vultures (Vulture exhibit by the southern entrance)
• 12:30 pm Talk on Przewalski’s horses (Gobi)
• 1:00 pm Meeting with Karelian reindeer (Northern Forest)
• 2:30 pm Tasmanian devil feeding (Darwin Crater)
• 3:00 pm Gorilla feeding (Dja Reserve)
• 3:30 pm Talk on gharials (Chambal)

7. 2. (Sat) ZooSchool for Adults: How a Zoo Works
Zoos are popular institutions, yet only few visitors have a clear idea of how a zoo actually operates. This course offers a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a zoo, gives participants the opportunity to try out a variety of professions essential to its operation, and explains the main mission of modern zoological gardens.

Advance booking required.

8. 2. (Sun) Turtle Keepers’ Day
Do not miss a unique series of engaging lectures, a popular keepers’ advice centre, and personal encounters with the zoo’s fascinating turtle and tortoise residents. The central theme of this special turtle-focused event will be wetlands—diverse, vibrant ecosystem full of unique species and natural wonders.

Education Centre:

•   9.00 am Opening of the Education Center
• 10.00 am Mgr. Michal Podhrázský, Ph.D., Zoo Dvůr Králové n. L.: Breeding and rearing of water turtles?
• 11.00 am  Mgr. Milan Chroust, Ph.D.: Fossilized turtles
• 12.00 pm Discussion on the lectures heard
• 12.30 pm Nataša Velenská, Petr Velenský, Zoo Prague: Where are the wetland turtles hiding in the zoo?
• 12.50 pm – 14.20 pm Break and commented meetings
• 14.30 pm – 15.30 pm Stanislav Danko, Peter Havaš, Fauna Carpatica, Slovakia: Situation in the Tajba of marsh turtles (turtles)

Commented feedings and animal talks:

• 11:00 am Softshell turtle feeding (Indonesian Jungle)
• 1:00 pm Aldabra and Galápagos giant tortoises feeding (Giant Tortoise House)
• 1:30 pm Talk on Forsten’s tortoises (Giant Tortoise House)
• 2:00 pm Talk on turtles and tortoises (Feline and Reptile House)
• 3:30 pm Talk on turtles (Chambal)

14. 2. (Sat) Valentine’s Day at Prague Zoo
Valentine’s Day commented feedings and animal talks focus on courtship in the animal kingdom.

Commented feedings and animal talks:

• 10:30 am Aardvark feeding (African House
• 10:30 am Eastern grey kangaroo and red-necked wallaby feeding (Darwin Crater)
• 11:00 am Penguin feeding (Penguin House)
• 11:00 am Talk on giraffes (African House)
• 12:30 pm Talk on Przewalski’s horses (Gobi)
• 1:00 pm Talk on elephants (Elephant Valley)
• 1:00 pm Giant tortoise feeding (Giant Tortoise House)
• 1:30 pm Crocodile monitor feeding (Giant Tortoise House)
• 2:00 pm Reptile feeding (Feline and Reptile House)
• 2:00 pm Wombat feeding (Darwin Crater)
• 2:45 pm Talk on red river hogs (Dja Reserve)
• 3:00 pm Gorilla feeding (Dja Reserve)
• 3:45 pm Pangolin feeding (Indonesian Jungle)

15. 2. (Sun) Masopust Carnival at Prague Zoo
Come and enjoy a day full of joy and music in the unique setting of Prague Zoo, and travel back with us to a time when Masopust (the local version of Mardi Gras) marked the end of winter and the beginning of merrymaking. Visitors can look forward to creative workshops, face painting, and, as the highlight of the programme, a traditional Masopust parade. Children under 15 who arrive at the zoo wearing a costume or a mask are entitled to admission for CZK 1.*

• 10:00 am – 1:30 pm Creative workshop: Make your own mask (Education Centre)
• 10:00 am – 1.00 pm Face painting (Education Centre)
• 2:00 pm Performance of the Mateník folklore group with traditional dances (Children's Zoo)
• 1:30 pm Masopust parade: departing from the Education Centre

* Admission for CZK 1 is available only to visitors under 15 wearing a full Masopust costume.

The following do qualify as a full Masopust costume:

• mask covering the entire face (e.g. paper, plastic, fabric, or face-painted masks)
  
• a full-body costume or a costume that significantly alters the wearer’s appearance

The following do not qualify as a full Masopust costume:

• headbands, hats, caps, or animal ears worn on their own
  
• minor accessories (e.g. stickers, simple make-up that does not cover the face)
  
• regular clothing supplemented with a single costume element

16. 2. (Mon) ZooSchool for Children Aged 8–11: The Frozen North
Deeply sub-zero temperatures and frozen ground where only the hardiest plants can grow. This may not sound like paradise to us, but form some animal species such environments are ideal. Join us to meet these remarkable specialists and discover the adaptations that enable them to survive in such extreme conditions.

Advance booking required.

17. 2. (Tue) ZooSchool for Children Aged 11–15: The Frozen North
Deeply sub-zero temperatures and frozen ground where only the hardiest plants can grow. This may not sound like paradise to us, but form some animal species such environments are ideal. Join us to meet these remarkable specialists and discover the adaptations that enable them to survive in such extreme conditions.

Advance booking required.

21. 2. (Sat) World Pangolin Day
Meet the mysterious pangolins! Discover how they live, why they are among the most threatened animals on the planet, and how Prague Zoo helps to protect them.

Programme in the Indonesian Jungle house:

• 9:30 am and 3:30 pm Pangolin feeding
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Educational station: Pangolins Everywhere. Games and quizzes for children and adults alike

21. 2. (Sat) ZooSchool for Families: The Frozen North
Deeply sub-zero temperatures and frozen ground where only the hardiest plants can grow. This may not sound like paradise to us, but form some animal species such environments are ideal. Join us to meet these remarkable specialists and discover the adaptations that enable them to survive in such extreme conditions.

Advance booking required.

23. 2. (Mon) ZooSchool for Children Aged 8–11: Feeding is a Science
Do you know how to feed Komodo dragons properly? Or how many kilograms of carrots are used at the zoo every day? At this ZooSchool, you will learn what kinds of food zoo animals are fed and how challenging it can be to meet the needs of dietary specialists.

Advance booking required.

24. 2. (Tue) ZooSchool for Children Aged 11–15: Feeding is a Science
Do you know how to feed Komodo dragons properly? Or how many kilograms of carrots are used at the zoo every day? At this ZooSchool, you will learn what kinds of food zoo animals are fed and how challenging it can be to meet the needs of dietary specialists.

Advance booking required.

28. 2. (Sat) International Polar Bear Day Celebration
Discover the fascinating world of polar bears and take a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Arctic exhibition project.

Program at the Polar Bears exhibit:

• 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm Polar bear talks
• 1:00 pm Giving an enrichment item to the bears
• 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Arctic activity station

 

MARCH

Commented Feedings and Animal Talks: Held at weekends. Visit the animals when they are at their most active and uncover fascinating insights into their lives. Encounters with popular species, accompanied by engaging commentary, take place throughout the day—just take your pick! Outdoor sessions run only in fine weather.

Exhibitions:
Gočár’s Houses Gallery (weekends only, 10 am – 3 pm): The Barrandian: Testimony of the Prehistoric Sea
Yurt (daily during zoo opening hours): How the Wild Horses Regain Their Freedom
Terrace in front of the Education Centre (daily during zoo opening hours): Wildlife of Kenya / Nature Around Us (since 28 March)

1. 3. (Sun) World Wildlife Day
Prague Zoo will join this global event highlighting the issue of endangered species and the loss of their natural habitats. What do we do for wildlife living within the zoo grounds, and how do we help animals beyond its borders?

• 9:30 am Ornithological Walk to observe free-living birds within the zoo grounds
  Participants will meet at the zoo’s main entrance. Participation is free of charge with a valid zoo admission ticket.
  The walk will be led by ornithologist RNDr. Martin Smrček. Please remember to bring your binoculars.
  
  
• 10:00 am – 3:00 pm The Secret of Bird Nest Boxes (Education Centre)
  Early spring is the perfect time to put up nest boxes for wild birds. Discover the secrets of making nest boxes for our feathered residents.
  
  
• 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Preparing Insect Houses (Education Centre)
  Help beneficial insects find a safe shelter and explore the fascinating world of our tiny wild neighbours. Together we will discover why insect houses are important, which species use them, and how to build them properly.
  
  
• Commented feedings and animal talks:
  
  • 10:30 am Aardvarks (African House)
  • 10:30 am Kangaroos and wallabies (Darwin Crater)
  • 11:00 am Penguins (House of Penguins)
  • 11:00 am Giraffes (African House)
  • 12:30 pm Przewalski’s horses (Gobi)
  • 1:00 pm Elephants (Elephant Valley)
  • 1:00 pm Giant tortoises (Giant Tortoise House)
  • 2:00 pm Reptiles (Feline and Reptile House)
  • 2:00 pm Wombats (Darwin Crater)
  • 2:45 pm Red river hogs (Dja Reserve)
  • 3:00 pm Gorillas (Dja Reserve)
  • 3:45 pm Pangolins (Indonesian Jungle)
  • 4:30 pm Gharials (Chambal)

2. 3. (Mon) ZooSchool for Children Aged 8–11: Birds
Become an ornithologist with us. We will take a close look at the anatomy of birds, discover many fascinating facts about their lives, and explore what bird keeping in zoological gardens involves. The session covers both native species and exotic birds.

3. 3. (Tue) ZooSchool for Children Aged 11–15: Birds
Become an ornithologist with us. We will take a close look at the anatomy of birds, discover many fascinating facts about their lives, and explore what bird keeping in zoological gardens involves. The session covers both native species and exotic birds.

7. 3. (Sat) ZooSchool for Adults: Get Rid of Phobias
Even in adulthood, many of us suffer from an irrational fear of certain animals—snakes or spiders, for example. It is scientifically proven that phobias are, on the whole, learned and can be lessened. Experienced tutors will introduce you to the creatures you fear, explaining and gradually introducing them in an attempt to replace the negative feelings with a positive experience for later life.

14. 3. (Sat) ZooSchool for Adults: Get Rid of Phobias (for graduates)
As a follow-up to the successfully completed Get Rid of Phobias course, we offer participants the opportunity to refresh the techniques for working with their fears, share experiences and progress made over the past months or years with fellow course members, and once again face an animal they previously feared.

15. 3. (Sun) Enrichment Workshop
Creative workshops focused on making enrichment items for animals. Advance registration required.

21. 3. (Sat) International Day of Forests and World Water Day celebration
Come to Prague Zoo to celebrate a day dedicated to forests and water and to be reminded of their irreplaceable importance for life on Earth.

• 9:30 am Walk to observe forest and wetland birds (Zoo Grounds)
  Participants will meet at the zoo’s main entrance. Participation is free of charge with a valid zoo admission ticket.
  The walk will be led by ornithologist RNDr. Martin Smrček. Please remember to bring your binoculars.
  
  
• 1:30 pm Fur seal training demonstration (Fur Seals)
  
  
• Special commented feedings and animal talks:
  • 10:00 am Orangutans (Indonesian Jungle)
  • 10:30 am Northern river otters (Across the Continents)
  • 11.00 am Penguins (House of Penguins)
  • 11.30 am Caribbean and Chilean flamingos (Water World and Monkey Islands)
  • 12.30 pm Hippos (Hippo House)
  • 1.00 pm  Finnish forest reindeer (Northern Forest)
  • 2.00 pm Tapirs (Water World and Monkey Islands)
  • 3.00 pm Greater flamingos (Water World and Monkey Islands)

28. 3. (Sat) Ceremonial Opening of Prague Zoo’s 95th Season
A full-day programme marking the start of the new season, with special guests.