All you need to know about the Prague ZOO

Prague Zoo, Czechia

Prague Zoo, Czech name: ZOO Praha

Ranked as the second most popular attraction site in the Czech Republic, the Prague Zoo is a renowned destination worldwide. Nestled near the Troja Chateau and easily accessible via the metro station, this captivating zoo attracts an average of 1.4 million annual visitors. What makes it special? Well, from the serene rugged terrain location to the captivating presence of Asian elephants and a diverse array of 680 bird species, there’s truly too much to love. Why are you not there yet? Allow us to take you on a journey of discovery at this exceptional zoo.

The Prague ZOO, one of the most renowned zoos in the world, spans across 58 hectares and offers an exciting experience with unique attractions, including a chair lift and its convenient location in the city center.

Location & How to Go to Prague Zoo

As it is popularly known in the country, ZOO Praha is located about six kilometers from the capital’s center. How big is Prague ZOO? The 58-hectare facility sits on rugged terrain in the beautiful countryside that is only minutes from the city center. The Vltava River passes within the neighborhood and is one of the primary water sources for the facility.

Prague ZOO’s address is U Trojského zámku 120/3, Praha 7. 

Getting to the Prague ZOO is easy, thanks to the variety of options available. The Nádraží Holešovice metro and tram station sit nearest to the ZOO and can be accessed through metro transport. You will then need to take another bus (No 112) to the Botanická zahrada, just a stone’s throw from the zoo entrance. Alternatively, you can use a boat to get to the Přístaviště Troja from where you then cross a bridge over the Vltava River near the Troja castle. Using this route would require you to walk for about 25 minutes to reach the ZOO.

Opening Hours & Prague Zoo Ticket Price 

The ZOO in Prague remains open all around the year for the seven days of the week, but with different closing times in different seasons. 

In September, October, April, and May, the ZOO in Prague opens at 9:00 A.M. and is accessible to people until 6:00 P.M. when the doors shut. From November to February, the zoo’s daily closing time is 4:00 P.M., but the opening time remains 9:00 A.M. In May, the closing time shifts to 5:00 P.M., but the opening time remains the same. June, July, and August are somewhat exceptional, with the closing time being 9:00 P.M. 

However, note that ticket counters, souvenir stores, and other central facilities will close at 7:00 P.M. during June, July, and August. Additionally, you need to know that the ticket shops close 30 minutes before coo closing time.

Another issue you should be aware of is that the main entrance remains open throughout the year. However, the northern and southern ticket offices are only operational during public holidays, weekends, and school vacations.

As far as the Zoo tickets are concerned, there is a considerable flexibility based on the number of people and their ages. Groups with more than 10 people will enjoy a 10 percent discount while children pay about half of the standard rates. You can visit the ZOO’s official website for current Prague ZOO tickets. 

Travel with your tour guide to the intriguing Zoo by boat and take in the city’s famous landmarks from a new perspective as you sip refreshments. You are free to stay at the zoo as long as you like.

Visit the ZOO in Prague to witness a wide range of exotic and unique animals.

Highlights

  • The first part of the 5-hour trip will take you on a boat down the Vltava River.
  • Rates as low as €50.81 per head
  • Cancellation is free is done within 24 hours
  • The tour takes about 7 hours
  • Get a bird’s-eye glimpse of the Prague  Dancing House and castle, Žofín, the National Theatre, Prague Charles Bridge, and numerous other sights on the itinerary. 
  • Your guide will provide fascinating anecdotes along the way. 
  • Your guide will hand you an entry ticket, a guide to assist you navigate the zoo, and a bus pass for your ride back to the entrance.
  • Take some time to relax with a cold beverage and a tasty cookie.
  • Experience a wide variety of animals, including those you love and many others that are uncommon or endangered. 
  • The Zoo entrance is where the minibus for the trip back to the hub departs.

What is Included

  • Excursion in a boat
  • A map and ticket to the zoo
  • A bus or train ticket back into the city
  • Professional guide who speaks German, English, and Spanish

What to Do & What to See in Prague Zoo Czech Republic

Prague ZOO is divided into various sections, each of which has a unique name. Like we mentioned in our introduction, there is so much to see and do. Let’s get some fun.

Take the kids to the Bororo reserve in the ZOO

Monkey lemur in the zoo
Monkey lemur in the zoo

If you came with your family to the ZOO, then the Bororo reserve should be your first stop. The reserve is a playground for families, especially kids. Bororo reserve has a multi-level climbing frame, a connected village of huts, and an animal training demonstration amphitheater. The kids will love climbing through the cabins.

Pavilion of penguins in the Prague ZOO

It would be a disgrace if we didn’t have any water animals in the ZOO in a location with plenty of water from the Vltava River. Luckily, there are some of the rarest animals, one of which is the penguin. The penguins’ pavilion takes your imagination to the Chile or South African coast, where penguins live in the natural environment. In the pavilion, you will watch penguins moving in water, on dry ground, and underwater. Pass by the pavilion during winter and get the rare sight of a nesting penguin.

The Indonesian jungle

If you plan a Prague sightseeing trip, ensure to arrange for a visit to the thrilling Indonesian jungle. The jungle is one of the many pavilions that forming Prague ZOO, and it gives you the humid temperatures, dark caves, chirping birds, and flying bats experience you would expect in any jungle. Prague’s Indonesian jungle is one of the largest pavilions in Europe. It’s time you had a real experience of the jungle paths and saw the Komodo dragons.

Rocky outcrop

You cannot get a complete Prague sightseeing experience without the sheer rocky slopes located on the southern front of Prague ZOO. The rocky outcrop pavilion provides a mountainous view with the Caucasian ibex and the famous Himalayan tahrs moving with great agility. It is a pleasing sight to see.

Elephant Valley

Nestled within the enchanting landscape of the Prague Zoological Garden lies the captivating Elephant Valley, an oasis of wonder where nature’s majesty comes to life. Among the myriad of creatures that call this sanctuary home, the Chinese giant salamanders thrive in their aquatic haven, their ancient presence a testament to the resilience of Earth’s biodiversity. As you journey through this living tapestry of life, your path might lead you to the heartwarming sight of a playful polar bear, embodying the wild spirit of the Arctic within the heart of Prague. The Elephant Valley within the Prague Zoological Garden invites you to connect with the marvels of the animal kingdom, fostering an appreciation for the intricate web of life that unites us all.

African Savanna

The African savanna pavilion is famous among the Prague ZOO visitors who like to see the animal species living there. The pavilion sits on 2.5 hectares of open land where the animals move freely. You can visit the savanna to watch the zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and the ostrich, to mention but a few.

Other sights and Prague Zoo exhibits to visit within the ZOO include the salamander house, the paddling pool for children, the African House, and the fur seal exhibits. In general, the Prague ZOO has 13 unique pavilions and about 150 exhibits, most of which you can explore within 4 to 5 hours.

Thai young Long tail Macaque Monkey sit on big tree in tropical forest
Thai young Long tail Macaque Monkey sit on big tree in tropical forest

History of the Prague Zoo Czech Republic 

Prague ZOO opened in 1931 and has been operating for close to 90 years now. The ZOO is considered a brainchild of Professor Jiří Janda, an accomplished zoologist, and ornithologist who researched its establishment between 1921 and 1991 while working for the Ministry of Education. One Mr. Svoboda, a landowner in the Troja area, is a notable figure in the zoo’s history as he contributed the initial land for its establishment. 

So what is the Prague Zoo animals list? When the Prague ZOO first opened to the public, there were over 200 hundred animals by count. The number rose significantly with the introduction of new species and breeding over the years. In the year 2002, heavy showers of rain in the country occasioned flooding in the lower front of the garden leading to the evacuation of more than 2000 animals, including birds and reptiles. Today, the ZOO has over 5375 animals.

The Prague ZOO has enough fun for families and individuals. With over 5000 animals in the 13 pavilions, there is more than you can watch in a day. The vast, rugged landscape offers an excellent avenue for Prague sightseeing, not only within the zoo but also in the surrounding environments. ZOO is accessible in various ways, including public transport, and the opening hours are user-friendly. Additionally, the entry fees are affordable, and the payment methods flexible. Therefore, we believe that you will feel nice while watching and moving through the ZOO in the Troja area.

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