CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague zoo celebrates its 80th anniversary and names a newborn sea lion

Record ID: 779547

  • Title: CZECH REPUBLIC: Prague zoo celebrates its 80th anniversary and names a newborn sea lion
  • Date: 29th September 2011
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Czech) ZOO VISITOR, IVANA, SAYING: "It's a great place, it is amazing to see how much work has been done here, not only new buildings and enclosures, but also animal training. It is a nice place for animals to be and a really good one for families with children and for everyone who wants to have a nice afternoon."
  • Embargoed: 14th October 2011 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Czech Republic, Czech Republic
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Topics: Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA91QXWKMARR9N71QF7B16ZM0BF
  • Story Text: Thousands of animal-lovers flocked to Prague's zoo to take part in the celebration of its 80th anniversary.
    "Eighty years ago, on September 28, the zoo opened its doors to the public for the first time. It happened later than in other European cities, but we got a great place where we could expand and develop. We hope to continue it (developing) for many years to come," said the zoo's director Miroslav Bobek.
    The zoo which in 1931 occupied just 8 hectares, covers 60 today. The number of its residents has increased significantly and now nears 4,500.
    The key part of the celebration was the naming of a newborn sea lion. And it was not a coincidence as Bobek explains.
    "Now we are in the sea lions area, near sea lions swimming pool. Incidentally, sea lions were one of the first animals in our zoo, and it was a gift from a famous Czech actor, also known in Germany, Vlasta Burian. Today's celebration will be associated with the naming of a sea lion, the grandson of famous Gaston", he said.
    Gaston is a Prague zoo legend. He made a bid for freedom when Prague zoo was flooded in 2002 and swam over 120 kilometers away into Germany for 5 days. Zoo staff assisted by air force pilots followed him in helicopters dropping food from the air. Gaston died on the way back to Prague after being recaptured.
    Since the Czech air force and the zoo's sea lions have had a special relationship.
    Air force Colonel Jiri Vavra - is a Godfather of the newborn sea lion. He had the honor of announcing his name - "Bert" - to the applauding crowd, Bert seemed to be more interested in the fish fed to him by the trainer than in the ceremony and jumped into the water soon after the feeding was over.
    The zoo is one of the favorite places in Prague for its residents.
    "It's a great place, it is amazing to see how much work has been done here, not only new buildings and enclosures, but also animal training. It is a nice place for animals to be and a really good one for families with children and for everyone who wants to have a nice afternoon," said Ivana who came specially to celebrate the zoo's birthday.
    "It is absolutely amazing, great work by all involved, by the director, zoo staff, and of course animals. Great, wonderful place," said Josef.
    The zoo's birthday's celebrations will continue till the end of the year and will include various events such as competitions, exhibitions, presentations, etc. On average 1,2 million people visit Prague zoo every year.
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