On Saturday, 8 February, visitors to Prague Zoo will have the opportunity to learn about conservation projects supported by the zoo in connection with Reverse the Red Day (7 February). They will also discover which animal species have been saved from extinction through targeted breeding in human care.
The “Conservation Day” is an initiative of the Reverse the Red movement, which promotes international cooperation to secure the survival of wild species and ecosystems. The aim is to enhance the protection of endangered species, halt biodiversity loss, and ideally, lower the threat category of species on the IUCN Red List from “red” to “green.”
Species such as the Przewalski’s horse, the Indian rhinoceros, the giant panda, and the Iberian lynx are among the greatest success stories in global conservation. However, less well-known and less financially supported groups—such as freshwater fish, invertebrates, and plants—also play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity.
When organisations worldwide join forces and pool their knowledge—whether from government institutions, NGOs, zoos, aquariums, or botanical gardens—many currently endangered species can be saved.
Programme: Helping Them Survive – Information and Activity Stations
Prague Zoo | 10:00–16:00 | 8 February 2025
- The Return of the Przewalski’s Horse to the Asian Steppe (Gobi)
The Przewalski’s horse is the last surviving wild horse species. By the 1960s, it had already become extinct in the wild, but thanks to breeding programmes in human care, it has been successfully saved. Prague Zoo has played a key role in protecting this endangered species for many years. Since 1959, the zoo has maintained the international studbook for the Przewalski’s horse.
- The “Wanderbus” and the Protection of Gorillas (and More) in Central Africa (Dja Reserve)
The “Wanderbus” is one of Prague Zoo’s most important in-situ projects. The programme focuses particularly on the protection of gorillas and other endangered species in Central Africa by educating younger generations. Since 2013, Prague Zoo has been teaching children in Cameroon about the importance of sustainable rainforest use and raising awareness that gorillas are fascinating creatures—not just meat on a plate. In addition, the zoo supports organisations dedicated to the protection of gorillas and their habitat.
- Protecting the Gharial in Northern India (Chambal)
Since 2008, Prague Zoo has been involved in projects to protect the gharial, a unique species of crocodile that is critically endangered. Between the mid-20th century and the early 21st century, the global population of this species declined by more than 95%.
- Saving the Egyptian Vulture in Southern Europe (Egyptian Vulture at the South Entrance)
The Egyptian vulture is the smallest of the four vulture species found in Europe—and also the most endangered. Prague Zoo is actively involved in protecting these birds in their southern European habitat.
Prague Zoo (Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy)
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