Interesting technical features

Misting systems have been thoughtfully included to refresh visitors on sweltering days. Spacious toilet facilities, secure storage lockers, and a bicycle parking area near the entrance are, of course, all part of the standard amenities.

The viewing galleries in front of the indoor and outdoor gorilla exhibits are undoubtedly surprising in their size but other strategically placed seating areas also offer great views. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

A great deal of attention was paid to the lighting system. The visitor area is just as dark as the lower layer of the rainforest, while light enters the exhibits through the huge, glazed roof. This means the exhibit’s glass does not reflect light that would disturb the viewer experience or any photographs taken. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Another story altogether is the fully automated special plant lighting—the phytolamps are lit at night so as not to disturb visitors during the day. At the same time, curtains have been installed in front of the exhibit glass so that the gorillas and other animals have darkness at night. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

The screens above the inner viewing gallery are also interesting. Two monitors have an online camera feed from the exhibits which even identifies the gorillas. The third screen offers a wealth of additional content, informing visitors about the gorillas at Prague Zoo and those in the wild, as well as about the Dja Biosphere Reserve in Cameroon, its poachers and rangers. Photo: Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo