Prague Zoo is consistently ranked among the world’s leading zoological institutions, with some rankings placing it fourth. It is also one of the oldest in the world, having been established in 1931, with the institution’s origins dating back to 1881.
Spanning over 60 hectares, the reserve is home to more than 4,000 animals of over 650 species, including a significant number of those classified as threatened. It is recommended to devote at least half a day to this wild adventure. All imaginable animals from every corner of the globe have their home here, in environments that closely resemble their natural habitat and are created to meet their specific needs.
One of the zoo’s major successes is its significant role in saving many endangered species, including Przewalski’s horse, which won the WAZA Conservation Award in 2021. This species of wild horse was extinct in the wild by the end of the 20th century, but has been kept alive in Prague Zoo, which is also breeding them and sending specimens to other countries. You can adopt this unique animal as part of a very successful and useful project.
As living in cities has made some of us rather detached from nature, it is important to give children the opportunity to see farm animals. Therefore, Prague Zoo offers programmes such as guided tours and the “Keeper for a Day“ programme, which allows you to get to know a selected animal in more detail. You can also enjoy a night-time walk with a professional guide (reservations required).
Even if you have visited this zoo before, there is always something new to discover. For instance, there is now an immersive new virtual reality centre with seats that shake and tilt to make the wildlife experience more realistic. New offspring are born all year round, including some rare species such as the first pangolin ever born in Europe. (Do not worry if you do not know what a pangolin is, or the names of some of the other animals. You could make it a family project to take photos of animals whose names you have never heard and upload them to the ZOOCHAT website.)
Fortunately, Prague Zoo is easily accessible by public transport. The journey from the main train station takes around 30 minutes by metro and bus. For details of connections and e-tickets, please refer to the PID app. If you prefer a more adventurous means of transport, you could even take a ferry for part of the journey. It is only a few minutes from Prague 6 to Trója (V Podbabě stop to Podhoří, operator: Prague Venice Boats). It is much faster than taking a steam boat from Čechův Most to Císařský Ostrov (about 70 min, operator: Paroplavba, April to Oct). When it comes to unusual means of transportation, there is also a brief funicular railway within the ZOO itself (usually open from March to January, paid for by passengers over the age of six).
If you have more time, you can visit the Botanical Garden right next to the ZOO (separate admission). It a peaceful escape from the city’s vibrant pace. It covers around 70 hectares and features diverse landscapes, including a remarkable Fata Morgana Greenhouse with tropical and subtropical plants. Wander through the outdoor gardens, showcasing Mediterranean flora, alpine meadows, or the Japanese Garden, a tranquil spot with trees and ponds. Certainly an inspiring visit alongside the zoo for a day of natural wonders!
After that, you can explore the beautiful Baroque Troja Palace right opposite the entrance to the ZOO (closed in winter), perhaps also to sample some wine sitting in or near the local vineyard. The exteriors of Troja Chateau and its beautiful gardens are accessible free of charge. Trója is also a popular destination for cyclists, who often start their journey at Letná Park or Stromovka and then cycle along the Vltava River.
