Prague ZOO

   Brief History of the Prague Zoo

The idea of having a zoo in Prague dates back to the year 1891. It is not however until the year 1931, when on a beautiful and sunny September 28th the Prague Zoo opens its doors to an awaiting and very excited audience for the first time. Today, the Prague Zoo consists of 58 hectares and has 14 pavilions being the Darwin Crater (pavilion 14^th) the latest pavilion to be added in the year 2020. This pavilion focuses on the fauna and flora of Australia, specifically Tasmania. So you will definitely be amazed to find Tasmanian Devils! Ever since its foundations until 2020 and with the exception of the year 2002 when a massive flood hit the Prague Zoo, has been opened to the people to enjoy its tigers, lions, hippopotamuses, giraffes, orangutans, and other amazing and exotic animals. 

Fun Facts about Prague Zoo

• In 2007 it was ranked amongst the 8 best zoos in the world by Forbes Traveler magazine.
• Since 2018 it has been voted on TripAdvisor as the 5^th best zoo in the world!
• 2020 It was the only European zoo to be amongst the 4 finalists for the prestigious WAZA conservation award
• “The Return of Wild Horses” is one of Prague Zoo's most famous conservation projects. It aims to increase the absolute number and genetic diversity of this unique species of wild horses in the world: The Przewalski's Horses. The Prague Zoo will fight endlessly to release these gorgeous horses in their natural habitat in their country of Mongolia. By 2019 a total of 34 Przewalski Horses were transferred from the Prague Zoo to Mongolia and have been living in the wilderness without any complications thus far!

In 2002 during the worst flood Prague has had, the Prague Zoo lost 134 animals. During this flood, a sea lion by the name of Gaston escaped the flooded zoo and swam all the way north towards Dresden on the Vltava river. He was eventually captured alive. However, because of exhaustion, Gaston did not survive. He is still remembered today as one of the most famous animals that Prague Zoo ever had. His journey to Dresden was even broadcasted by CNN and BBC. Today there is a monument dedicated to Gaston in the Prague Zoo. 

How Much Is The Prague Zoo Ticket?

• It is super cheap for you to visit the Prague Zoo and spend a whole day there. The Adults Ticket will cost you 250 CZK or 10 EUR. On the other hand, children till the age of 15 and students pay 200 CZK or 8 EUR. We definitely recommend you to go to the Prague Zoo if you come to Prague with your entire family. The ticket for FAMILIES (2 Adults +4 children) is 800CZK or 30EUR.

Our Local Guide Tip

• Get an online ticket to the Prague Zoo and skip the line! You can purchase it through the Prague Zoo official website.

Prague Zoo Opening Hours

• Prague zoo is opened daily from 9 am till 4 pm in the winter season, 6 pm in the midseason, and till 9 pm in summer.

How To Get To The Prague Zoo?

• By Metro and Bus: Take metro C (Red Line) all the way to Nadraži Holešovice. Follow then the sign of the Bus to the Zoo and take the number 112 to its final stop Zoologická Záhrada.
• By Boat: From July until September, it is possible to go to the Zoo via boat. You will take the boat from Rašinovo Námìstí or Èechùv Most. The ride takes approximately 75 minutes to its port called Cisaøský Ostrov. From here walk for about 15 mins and you will have arrived.
• You can watch a YouTube video we made which explains how to get to the Prague ZOO, where to get the tickets, and what to see there.

Prague Zoo webcam

• You can watch elephants live on the Prague Zoo official website webcam.

Prague Zoo animals list (short version)

• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Polar Bears
• Kangaroos
• Penguins
• Lions
• Tigers
• Cheetahs
• Alligators
• Wolfs
• Horses
• Red pandas
• Lemurs
• Gorillas
• Seals
• Snakes
• Spiders
• Orangutans
• Giant Tortoise
• Meercats
• Badgers
• Cockroaches
• Hippopotamus
• Eagles
• Owls
• Ducks
• Flamingos
• Pelicans
• Goats
• Tasmanian Devils
• Capricorns
• Anaconda
• Lynxes
• Otters
• Bats

See more of our Prague Travel Tips.

Author: Nicolas Cortes, Prague guide certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Nicolas has worked in tourism for over 6 years and has guided thousands of Prague visitors.