Wandering bus model

A model of the Wandering Bus, gifted to Prague Zoo’s director by children in Cameroon, can now be admired by visitors of all ages in the Dja Reserve pavilion. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

In many parts of Africa, children enjoy playing with toy cars that they push in front of them. A bamboo model of the Wandering Bus, crafted by young Cameroonians, symbolises the warm reception of our eponymous project focused on environmental education in the Dja Biosphere Reserve.

Toy cars like these often have a surprisingly sophisticated chassis—allowing children to “steer” the wheels and navigate as they push them along. Photo: Hana Geroldová, Prague Zoo

Children in Cameroon often use bamboo to make their handmade toys. Photo: Khalil Baalbaki

African children craft their toy vehicles using whatever materials they have at hand—such as wire or even tin cans. Photo: Hana Geroldová, Prague Zoo

During one of his trips to Cameroon, where Prague Zoo supports the conservation of western lowland gorillas and other rainforest wildlife, Zoo Director Miroslav Bobek brought home a special souvenir. The model of the Wandering Bus was given to him by young participants in the Prague Zoo’s environmental education programme. Photo: Daniel Berti