World Wildlife Celebration in Chuchle

Animal garden ‘Zookoutek’ in Malá Chuchle, operated by Prague City Forests (‘Lesy hlavního města Prahy’), is taking part in the celebrations. More than 5,000 species of animals are currently at risk of global extinction. It is precisely to raise awareness of this sad fact that the 3^rd of March was proclaimed World Wildlife Day for the first time in 1979. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was founded on this day. With the agreement of 180 countries, 5,000 animal species and 29,000 plant species are protected from the threat of extinction. The Czech Republic joined the international wildlife protection in 1992. However, the situation is still far from perfect for endangered species.

Birds are the most threatened

At present, there are about 80,000 animal and plant species in the Czech Republic. One third is classed as endangered. Some species of orchids and various kinds of weeds have disappeared. Extinction also threatens more than 50% of amphibians and reptiles. Insects are in critical decline. In the Czech Republic, there are about 200 bird species; dozens of bird species migrate through Czech territory or spend the winter here. In Europe, 37% of bird species are at risk, and in some cases the numbers are drastic - the grey partridge declined by 82%, the northern lapwing by 91%, and some species almost disappeared, such as the Eurasian curlew and European roller. Trends of decline can be observed in formerly common species, such as the Eurasian skylark. Farmland and wetland birds are among the most rapidly disappearing species. However, it is known that mammals disappear also.

Come to visit the animal garden ‘Zookoutek’

Prague City Forests are also drawing attention to the critical situation. They invite the public to visit their own animal garden ‘Zookoutek’ in Malé Chuchle. Here, on the first Saturday of March, specialists will not only introduce endangered species of birds and mammals, but they will also explain why these species are on the verge of extinction. You will also be informed about the sophisticated methods of smugglers and people who sell these animals to pharmaceutical and fashion industries.

How do you get there?

It only takes 5 minutes by bus (No. 129, 241, 244, 314, 318) from the station ‘Smíchovské nádraží’ to the stop ‘Malá Chuchle’. From the church on the street ‘V Lázních’, you can follow the yellow tourist route, which directly passes through ‘Zookoutek’. You can also use the A112 cycle path that connects ‘Velká Chuchle’ with the housing estate ‘Barrandov’ and which almost leads to ‘Zookoutek’.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT

Saturday 3^rd of March at 2pm

Zookoutek Malá Chuchle

Free entry

Further information available at www.lhmp.cz (in Czech only)