Zoopark Chomutov English guide by Zoopark Chomutov

CHOMUTOV ZOO

IN THE PODKRUŠNOHOŘÍ REGION

...YOUR OASIS OF PEACE

Welcome to Chomutov Zoo The zoo, by its area the largest one in the Czech Republic, offers its visitors many options for relaxation combined with education. The 112 hectares of the zoo presents the fauna of Palearctic. This region includes Europe, a greater part of Asia and a part of Northern Africa. More than 160 species of animals are located in in-door exposition spaces and outdoor enclosures incorporated into the unique natural environment of the zoo. The small piece of land that surrounds it offers a view into the big world of Palearctic. Look around you, observe and learn...

THE CONTENTS:

Looking back ........................................................5 Nature in the zoo-park......................................8 Interesting expositions....................................11 Eurosafari............................................................13 Starรก Ves (Old Village)....................................15 Ekocentrum.........................................................19 Rescue station for handicapped animals.....20 Domestic animals...............................................22 Mammals..............................................................33 Beasts of prey.........................................34 Ungulates..................................................43 Primates....................................................57 Bats............................................................59 Rodents......................................................61 Birds......................................................................64 The pelecaniformes order.....................65 The ciconiiformes order........................67 Flamingos, the anseriformes order....70 Birds of prey............................................76 The galliformes order............................79 The gruiformes order ...........................80 The charadriiformes order...................82 The columbiformes..................................84 Parrots........................................................85 Owls.............................................................86 The coraciiformes order, passerines..90 Reptiles..................................................................92 Turtles........................................................92 The scaled reptiles..................................93 Amphibians............................................................96 Fish.........................................................................98 Invertebrates......................................................99 Services...............................................................100 A year in the zoo...............................................105 Extraordinary experiences.............................110 The statutory town of Chomutov .................121

LOOKING BACK In the seventies, when the future of large natural grounds spreading beyond the lake of Kamencové jezero was being discussed intensively, the then director of the Town Cinemas Administration, one Walter Markel, came up with the conception of a natural reserve with an exposition of European fauna. The conception included constructing a few samples of a typical village of the Podkrušnohoří region. The premises were opened under the name of Lesopark (Woodpark) for the public in 1975. The first enclosures presented

the opportunity to watch the Shetland Pony, the Fallow Deer, the Mouflon and the Red Deer. In some time the European Bison and the Lynx were added to the collection. Container-type modular cabins used for temporary work-related accommodation positioned right next to the area were converted into the offices of the management headquarters wherefrom the further construction of the zoo-park could be organized. The building continued: buried services, fencing, other enclosures and finally a horse stable, which became the foundation for the local horse riding club. In 1980 the zoo-park became an independent organisation under the town administration and its name was changed to The Park of Culture and Rest of Podkrušnohoří. Mr Jan Králíček became its first director. The animal stock was enriched with the Wolf, the Wild Cat, the Eurasian Crane, the Demoiselle Crane, the Beaver and other species.The first achievements were soon to follow. The zoo was the first one in the Czechoslovakia to breed the Pelican and the Cormorant. 5

At the end of the eighties the name of the zoo is changed again - this time it is Chomutov zoo of Podkrušnohoří. In 1989 a new administration building was constructed, a state-of-the-art quarantine facility and feed storehouses were put into operation. Next to the administrative building farming premises with a feed preparation house were established, and a roofed riding school was added to the stable. In 1992 MVDr. Přemysl Rabas took over the director‘s position. The zoo became a member of the Association of Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens and underwent a series of changes. Individual exposition places were more and more adjusted to the actual needs of the animals, the range of species living in the garden grew. New inhabitants to the area were for instance the Seal, the rare Northern Bald Ibis, the Wolverine, the Marbled Polecat and the Siberian Weasel. An elk calf was born and reared in the zoo, and the same achievement we had with other species: the Common Barn-owl, the Snowy Owl and the Snowy Owl. As a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria the zoo took part in many rescue programs. In 1997 a herd of saigas (the Saiga Antelope) was formed and be-

came the basis of the Eurosafari park composed of an area of 30 hectares. The vast pastures of the area were gradually inhabited with flocks of the European Bison, the Mouflon, the Red Deer and 6

the Przewalski´s Horse. In 2000 a farm of domestic animals and a new enclosure for elks are established, the enclosure for a herd of the Musk Ox is reconstructed and the aviaries for songbirds expand. The new centre of ecological education launches the first series of educational programs. An old workshop adjacent to the administrative building is converted into an exposition hall and a cinema theatre. In 2002 a terrarium is opened for the general public. The first reptiles to be seen there included the African Spiny-tailed Lizard, the Aesculapian Snake or the Saharan Horned Viper. In 2004 the exposition of nocturnal animals is completed together with the Tajga restaurant. A water birds aviary with a through passage for visitors becomes an opportunity to watch the Black-crowned NightHeron, the Eurasian Spoonbill, the Purple Swamphen, the Eurasian Bittern and many other birds. It is opened in 2005. In the same year construction works start in the area of Stará Ves where the basis of the Podkrušnohoří village is gradually built. The project gathers full speed in 2010 when the zoo has been managed already for two years by the new director, Mrs Bc. Iveta Rabasová. The zoo-park begins to focus on improving services for its visitors, educating people in the the flora and fauna of the unique environment of the zoo-park and especially on improving the living conditions for the animals bred on the area.

NATURE IN THE ZOO-PARK

The unique character of the zoo-park lies in the variety of the species composition as to the fauna and flora. Almost 45 hectares of the zoo-park territory belongs to the system of significant localities Natura 2000. The most western part is covered by an oak forest that provides a refuge for two endangered species of beetle. These are the Hermit Beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) and a species of stag beetle known under the Latin name of Lucanus cervus. A small beech grove is located at the administration building followed by a pine woods. It was established on the original medieval dump grounds of the local alum quarry. The treetops of the high pine trees

are a regular nestling place for the Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea). The composition of the tree vegetation is supplemented with a birch grove in the area where enclosures for the East European Moose are located. The rare nature and significance of the chestnut park founded in the 17th century by the Jesuits is substantiated with the title „the state protected natural monument“. It is the most northern location of the sweet chestnut in Europe. Thanks to its large bodies of water the zoopark is an ideal place to observe water animals, especially birds. One example is the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) which belongs to endangered species. The largest water area is the pond of Kamenný rybník, a body of water with a rich composition of fish, for instance the Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis). Every year the valley surrounding the Children‘s zoo is embellished with the flowers of rhododendrons the robust bushes of which dominate this part of the zoo-park.

THE TOTAL AREA OF THE ZOO

112 HECTARES THE SYSTEM OF SIGNIFICANT LOCALITIES NATURA 2000

44,3 HECTARES

A SPECIES OF THE STAG BEETLE Lucanus cervus This is the largest European beetle. Males may be up to 8 cm long, females are smaller, the largest of them grow up to 4.5 cm in length. The species is known for its gender dimorphism. Besides the size males also differ from females by having large mandibles. The stag beetle most often lives in a park composed of grown oaks or in mixed woods. In the past the beetle used to be a widespread species. Nowadays it can only be found in a few, isolated localities. The largest populations survive in Southern Moravia near the town of Břeclav and in the Křivoklátsko landscape area. In the vicinity of Chomutov it can be found in many localities, however because of worse feeding conditions the individuals found here are smallish and a 6 cm beetle is a rarity. The beetle develops in rotten wood, most often oak. Females lay eggs into tree trunks, stumps or logs. The larvae feed on rotten wood and their development takes between 3 to 5 years. They hatch in autumn and winter in cocoon cells. The common occurrence of the beetle in nature is from May to August while the maximal occurrence is in June and July. The males fly high in treetops and seek the females. The beetle feeds on oak leaves, moreover the males are attracted to tree sap. THE HERMIT BEETLE Osmoderma barnabita The beetle lives in tree hollows. It grows up to 3 cm in length. Most often it lives in oaks, beeches, lindens and willows. It seeks trees exposed to the sun and can often be found in tree alleys or parks. The females lay eggs in tree hollows in the middle or high parts of the trunk. The larvae feed on rotten wood of a certain structure, therefore they seek trees not exposed to rain. The development takes almost three years. The hermit beetle localities are scattered all over the Czech Republic. In the Chomutov region it can be found in a number of localities, however always in relatively small numbers. One of the reasons behind their rare occurrence may be their hidden way of life. The beetle almost never leaves its home tree hollows and spends its life in its vicinity. Adult beetles have difficulty to fly and can cover only short distances. Adult hermit beetles may be encountered from May to September. The species is characterised by evening and nocturnal activity. When disturbed the beetle emits a secretion the smell of which resembles the smell of beef leather and are often compared to the smell of the Box-leaved Milkwort. 10

INTERESTING EXPOSITIONS

The size and the natural composition of the area provide an opportunity to adapt exposition in-door areas and outdoor enclosures to the needs of individual species.

For instance the group of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), the outdoor enclosure of which belongs to the largest ones in European zoological gardens, use areas with full-grown trees and there is also a body of water reserved for them.

The enclosures for the Bactrian Deer (Cervus Cervus elaphus bactrianus), the Polar Reindeer (Rangifer Rangifer tarandus) or the East European Moose (Alces alces) are examples of vast expositions that offer views of the animals from various posts. The visitor has the impression that they are watching wild nature. Water bodies and water streams running through the area provide for the breeding of various animal species the life of which is closely related to water. The examples include the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) or the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Water birds aviaries with through passages for visitors are not only a place to watch bird species, they are an ideal place for relaxation of visitors too.

EUROPEAN SAFARI PARK (EUROSAFARI)

A large outdoor enclosure for animals called Eurosafari covers an area of 30 hectares. It is divided into several parts and the visitors may watch animals from the carriages of the Safari express. A calm herd of the Highland Cattle (Bos taurus) mixes up with somewhat more temperamental herds of the Mouflon (Ovis musimon), the PrzewalskiÂ´s Horse (Equus przewalskii) or the European Bison (Bison bonasus). One of the prides of the enclosure is the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) with does. A separated part includes living space for the Domestic Yak (Bos grunniens) and the Aurochs-like Cattle (Bos taurus). You can have a look at structures representing samples of the old Germanic and Slavic houses.

STARÁ VES (OLD VILLAGE) A part of the area called Stará Ves contains a set of buildings presenting the history and way of life of the population in original villages of the region. The buildings are equipped with period objects that the visitor may study from close distance. The significance and function of every displayed object is explained by the guide or by information panels. The facilities include an exposition of agricultural machines. Stará Ves is dominated by a functional wind mill of the Dutch type, which is a copy of the structure in the German town of Reichstädt. The mill has been built in the scale 1:2 so that it could hold a large group of visitors. On the slopes below the mill a small vineyard is located. A log building invites the visitors to look at the expositions of bee-keeping, lace

industry and toys. A timberframed farm-house offers a comprehensive view of the country life composed of common housework, agriculture and crafts. The location is used for manifestations of the almost forgotten way of life, folk traditions and craftsmanship. Such manifestations include baking bread, laundering or the processing of agricultural products. Folk traditions and crafts are presented, for instance, on the occasion of Christmas or Easter.

During summer vacations the Ecological Centre organizes suburban camps. During the summer vacation in the beautiful natural environment among animals are very attractive as well as educative for children.

ECOLOGICAL CENTRE (EKOCENTRUM)

The centre is occupied with environment education, upbringing, enlightenment and consultancy in the sphere of biodiversity protection. Attracting the public to this topic should be our priority task in respect of the preservation of the biological variety as well as the survival of mankind. The educational programs aim especially at the youngest generation and children are initiated to the theme of ecology through play.

RESCUE STATION FOR HANDICAPPED ANIMALS

The Chomutov zoo-park of Podkrušnohoří is engaged in the National network of rescue stations for handicapped animals that provide assistance to wounded animals living in wild nature. They are treated and cured and then let out into wild nature again. If the injury is material and the animal cannot be returned to the nature it is left at the station as its permanent inhabitant. The station accepts only species from European fauna and so it is not meant for exotic animals. The most common reason for an injury of an animal is the collision with a vehicle, hitting an obstacle or burns from electric lines.

DOMESTIC ANIMALS

The farm for domestic animals is a place where the largest number of domestic breeds of animals are kept. For our ancestors these were often quite common species and breeds, however today‘s population in towns often does not know them at all. The zoo-park gives an opportunity for small and grown-up visitors to get to know them.

SHEEP THE JACOB SHEEP Ovis aries aries

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A breed coming from the territory of today‘s Syria is mainly known due to its characteristic feature, which is the large number of horns. Both sexes may have as much as six horns. The ram‘s horns are much larger, as a rule, and very often stuck out from the head. Other typical features of the breed are a bald patch in the middle of the head and on cheeks. THE HUNGARIAN SCREW-HORNED SHEEP Ovis aries aries

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The sheep belongs to the most primitive representatives of the European branch of sheep. It lives in south-eastern Europe. It is very common in Hungary. A typical feature is screw-shaped horns in both sexes. This is a sheep with long thick wool and not many requirements for breeding. It is very resistant to adverse climatic conditions. The zoo-park breeds two herds - the black and the white form. 22

THE GERMAN GREY HEATH (SHEEP) Ovis aries aries

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A sheep of modest requirements coming from sandy moorlands in north-eastern Germany - hence its name. The colour of wool is grey and white. The prevailing grey variant is characterised by typical horns, with the white variant both sexes of the sheep may be without horns. Lambs are born black and the colour of wool changes after first shearing. The sheep feeds well even on plants of less sufficient nutritional value and therefore is used for controlled grazing in protected areas. M 5

THE WALLIS BLACK-NOSED SHEEP Ovis aries aries The sheep originally from the Swiss canton of Wallis is rarely bred on the territory of the Czech Republic. It is adapted to harsh climatic conditions of mountainous areas. Its fine wool is used for carpet production. It may graze even on the steepest slopes and is very loyal to its locality and therefore the herds need not be guarded. In the zoo-park too the flock is left on its own and reliably returns to its farm. THE OUESSANT SHEEP Ovis aries aries

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The smallest breed among sheep in the world comes from the Ouessant island off the coast of Brittany, France. The original and most demanded colour was black or brown-black. The wool was used for the production of clothes and did not have to be dyed. As other breeds of sheep were gradually introduced to the island other large variants of the sheep were bred in various colour variants. Nowadays the breed has practically vanished from the Ouessant island. 23

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GOATS THE WHITE SHORT-WOOLED GOAT Capra hircus It has been bred as a milk breed. A horned as well as hornless variants are bred. An adult male goat may weight as much as 90 kg.

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THE WALLIS GOAT Capra hircus An ancient breed coming from the Swiss canton of Wallis. In the seventies when there were only 400 animals living in Switzerland the breed was facing extinction. A characteristic feature is the colour of very long hair, which is black on the front part of the body and white on the rear part. The males have robust fork-like horns as much as 80 cm long. On the territory of the Czech Republic it is quite a rarity.

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THE CARPATHIAN GOAT Capra hircus The original homeland of this primitive breed was the Balkan region. Its hair is of white and grey colour. The breed has been included in the genetic reserve.

HORSES

Horse breeding has a long tradition in the zoo-park. Horses are stabled in the farm-house for domestic animals and in the riding school. They are used as assistant animals during social events and races. THE SHIRE DRAFT HORSE Equus caballus

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A descendant of the Great Horse, an English breed used by knights as a military horse. In 1878 a studbook for this breed was established. The attribute â&#x20AC;&#x161;shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; was given to the horse in 1884. It exists in several colour variants. The average height is 178 cm at the shoulder. Its temperament is calm and balanced, however in tense situations it may be very stubborn. THE TARPAN Equus caballus

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One of the ancestors of the domesticated horse. It originally lived in steppes and woods of eastern Europe. However because of hunting and random killing it became extinct. The last tarpan in wild nature died in Ukraine in 1879. Thanks to back breeding animals could be obtained that bear many common features with original tarpans.

THE FJORD PONY Equus caballus

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This breed is one of the national symbols in Norway, the country of its origin. It belongs to the oldest breeds in Europe. A dark stripe in the middle of the mane, the so-called eel stripe, and several dark horsehair in the middle of the tail, the so-called birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s tail, are typical features of this breed. The robust frame of this horse predestines it for pulling objects, however it is often saddled. THE CZECH WARMBLOOD Equus caballus

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It is a product of gradual cross breeding of several breeds. Even nowadays the breed develops and is still the focus of controlled breeding. This is a quality horse with a wide range of use in sports and for light work in agriculture and forestry. THE THOROUGHBRED Equus caballus

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It is a product of the cross breeding of Italian and Spanish horses with fast English horses in the 18th century England. Thanks to its ancestors it has become a very popular horse in horse racing. The breed has a closed studbook, which means that only an individual with both parents entered in the book may be entered there as well.

HORSE FACILITIES M 3

The premises of the facilities include stables, an outdoor riding track, a roofed riding hall and spacious outdoor enclosures. Besides horses that belong to the zoo-park the facilities also provide shelter to horses of private owners. A horse riding club is active within the facilities.

SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS

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THE DOMESTIC RABBIT Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus The wild form of rabbit was already domesticated by Romans in socalled â&#x20AC;&#x161;leporariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; (stonewalled pens) because the Romans appreciated the meat of the animal. As the breeding skills developed various rabbit breeds came into existence. The breeding is related to several industries that focus on the production of fur and meat, the breeding of individuals for exhibitions or the pygmy form as pets. THE DOMESTIC PIGEON Columba livia domestica The dovecote at the farm for domestic animals is inhabited by several breeds of pigeon. Among them there is for instance the Prague Tumbler Pigeon which belongs to Czech national breeds of pigeons.

DOMESTIC POULTRY The zoo-park breeds domestic gamefowl as well as water birds. This includes the chicken, the helmeted guineafowl, the duck and the goose.

From the zoological viewpoint the world is divided into areas and each of them has a characteristic composition of species. The Palearctic region, which has supplied the species found in the zoo-park, covers 39 % of the landâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s surface. This is approximately an area of 52 000 000 km2.

THE ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL MAP OR THE LOCATION OF PALEARCTIC

MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS The abbreviations UCSZOO stands for the regional Association of Czech and Slovak Zoological Gardens. The association incorporates 19 member zoos that cooperate and assist each other. EAZA stands for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. It is an all-Europe organization incorporating about 300 European zoological gardens with the main objective to unify and coordinate member zoos in the pursuit of their mission. This concerns the breeding of endangered species, the support of preservation activities, the observance of ethical principles in the course of breeding, monitoring standards during transports and veterinary interventions. EARAZA – the Euroasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquaria is a union incorporating about 60 zoological gardens from European and Asian countries. WAZA – World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a worldwide organization focusing on endangered species of animals and activity participation in rescue projects that put emphasis on the enlightenment and education of lay and expert public. Rescue projects focused on animal species and their populations in original habitats are called ‚in situ projects‘. Projects focused on the protection of animals within zoological gardens are so-called „ex situ projects“.

WHAT DO THE ABBREVIATIONS ESB AND EEP STAND FOR?

ESB An abbreviation standing for European Studbooks. Their maintenance and management is the responsibility of specialised employees of individual European gardens. The studbooks present the overview of the entire populations of individual species in Europe. The extensive data are a source of information as to the origin, kinship and generic quality of individuals and breeding stocks. The following species bred in the zoo-park have been included in the studbook: the Bactrian Deer, the Steller´s Sea-Eagle, the Carpathian Lynx, the Eurasian Griffon, the Golden Takin, the Mishmi Takin and the Grey Seal. The studbooks form the basis for EEP. EEP The abbreviation stands for a common project of European zoological gardens to protect endangered species of fauna world-wide. The project as such was initiated by German zoos and the abbreviation EEP is derived from German Europäisches Erhaltungs Program. The main mission of this project is to preserve selected species of endangered animals within the framework of cooperation among individual zoos. It is managed by a committee of experts which manages and coordinates the breeding of every species. The coordinator is usually an employee of a zoo that belongs to the most successful ones in the breeding and reproduction of the selected species. The job content of the coordinator is to collect information on all bred individual animals. The origin, genetic aspects, breeding conditions and the level of mutual kinship are the decisive factors when deciding on the transfers of individual animals, their location, relocation etc. All exchanges of animals between zoos are without any financial compensation within the EEP program. At this point in time the coordination of breeding stocks concerns more than 145 animal species. Chomutov zoo-park of Podkrušnohorsko breeds 14 animal species within the EEP system. These are: the Northern Bald Ibis, the White-naped Crane, the Siberian Crane, the Red-crowned Crane, the Przewalski´s Horse, the Pallas´ Cat, the European Mink, the White-tailed Sea-eagle, the Bearded Vulture, the Dalmatian Pelican, the Musk Ox, the Wolverine, the Red Panda and the European Bison. 31

FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE PLACE In order to make your movements around the zoo-park easier the photographs of animals are accompanied with icons showing coordinates on the basis of which you can find the locations of expositions with individual species in the map at the end of the guide.

For instance the coordinates exposition with small beasts of prey.

show the position of the

Abbreviations EEP and ESB are explained on page 31.

EEP

ESB

This icon is placed next to animal species that are bred in the background facilities outside the visitor routes. The reason behind this is the optimal conditions for the breeding and possibly rearing of species to which significant attention is paid, which is true especially for endangered species.

Information about individual animal species on visitor routes is supplemented with descriptive notices located within the area of the zoo-park. With selected species complementary information banners are displayed at corresponding locations. If a large map suits your eyes better you can find it at both ticket offices. 32

MAMMALS Mammalia

More than 70 species of mammals are located in the Chomutov zoo-park of Podkrušnohoří. We will present a selection from these species on the following pages, even though all of the species in the zoo are definitely worth your attention.

BEASTS OF PREY Carnivora

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THE YELLOWTHROATED MARTEN Martes flavigula A species of marten with prevailing daytime activity is one of the most precious beasts of prey kept in the zoo-park. The yellowthroated marten is a restless and playful creature, as can been derived from frequent chases in treetops. These chases may also be an indication of courting. THE EUROPEAN BADGER Meles meles

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This is the largest beast of prey from the Mustelidae family living on the territory of the Czech Republic. Lairs dug by the badger may be composed of many corridors and can go as deep as 5 m. The badger is mainly active at night when it sets out to seek food. C 8

THE WILD CAT Felis silvestris The northern African variety of the wild cat is considered a direct ancestor of the domesticated cat. The wild cat on the territory of central Europe has almost been hunted down to extinction. The endangered numbers of the central European population are due to excessive hunting as well as the cross breeding of wild cats with domesticated cats. Almost all beasts of prey are carnivorous. While the sustenance of animals from the cat family is almost exclusively composed of meat, beasts of prey from the Ursidae family (bears) or the Procyonidae family (raccoons) are omnivorous. The giant panda is an absolute exception. 34

THE SIBERIAN WEASEL Mustela sibirica

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The Siberian weasel is a useful animal in wild nature. It mainly feeds on rodents and its â&#x20AC;&#x161;cleaningâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; of the remains of preys hunted down by other predators, such as wolves, is again of benefit for the environment. However it may cause great damage to breeders of poultry or pigeons. THE BEECH MARTEN Martes foina

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The hunting preferences of martens may be of benefit for nature if rodents multiply excessively. On the other hand, they may cause vast damage to breeders of poultry that can be of fatal consequences for their bird stock.

A characteristic feature of all martens is courting chases. They are able to run relentlessly up and down the 35 treetops.

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EEP

THE PALLAS‘ CAT Otocolobus manul This unfamiliar species from the cat family inhabits Asian steppes, desserts and mountainous regions up to 4800 MASL. Its relatively robust body is covered with long, thick hair that serves as very good thermal insulation during their rest on rocky surfaces or directly on snow. The natural habitat of the Pallas‘ cat (Otocolobus manul) is relatively extensive and ranges from the southern localities of the Caspian Sea to Pakistan, Cashmere, Nepal, Tibet and western China all the way to Mongolia and southern fringes of Siberia. Within this extensive area three sub-species have evolved: the Mongolian Pallas‘ cat (O. m. manul), the Caspian Pallas‘ cat (O. m. ferrugineus) and the Tibetian Pallas‘ cat (O. m. nigripectus). The Pallas‘ cat is a very shy animal that hides during the daytime in its den under stones, in a cave or in an underground hole. It is active mainly at night when it hunts small mammals and birds. Young Pallas‘ cats are born in the period from April to May in the number of 2 to 6 in the litter. The largest population of Pallas‘ cat is located in Mongolia. At the beginning of the 20th century more than 50000 pieces a year were hunted because of their furs, which gradually put the existence of the entire species at stake. In 1988 the hunting of Pallas‘ cat was banned. This is a rare species to be found in zoos and the rearing of young animals belongs to great achievements. The zoo-park has been breeding and rearing the Pallas‘ cat since 2002 when the first pair arrived. The female came from the Vienna Zoo and the male from the Moscow Zoo. In 2009 the first young Pallas‘ cat was successfully reared in the zoo-park.

THE BROWN BEAR Ursus arctos

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This seemingly clumsy creature can run as fast as 22 km per hour. Among European predators it belongs to the largest ones. In places of occurrence it leaves frequent reminders of its presence such as dung and the delineation of its territoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s borders in the form of scraped bark and bast on trees up to the height of 2.5 m. K 7

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THE NORTHERN RACCOON Procyon lotor It comes from Northern America. Thanks to its ability of adaptation the raccoon has expanded its range to many territories of Europe and Asia, originally through human intervention. Its name is derived from the practice of dousing the food before consuming it. THE EUROPEAN MINK Mustela lutreola Its declining numbers in the original biotope have been linked to the introduction of the American mink. A distinctive feature which distinguishes it from the American mink is the white colour of the upper lip. Its closest relative is the European polecat, whilst the American mink is related to martens.

THE WOLVERINE Gulo gulo

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The wolverine is the largest beast from the Procyonidae family in Europe. Among European predators it belongs to the most endangered ones. While in summer season it feeds on carcasses, nestling birds or forest fruits, in winter it turns into an efficient hunter. It is able to vanquish creatures much larger than itself. The best season to observe 37 wolverines is winter.

THE RED PANDA Ailurus fulgens The red panda is related to the Mustelidae (weasel), Procyonidae (raccoon) and Mephitinae (skunk) beasts of prey, including the northern raccoon. However, from the zoological point of view it is the only representative of the Ailuridae family. It inhabits landscapes in higher altitudes with bamboo vegetation. Bamboo is an indispensable but not the only item on its menu. The red panda protects its territory and delineates it with dung scattered around with its shaggy tail. It is an excellent climber and spends a lot time in treetops. Red pandas are solitary animals and seek partners only in the mating season. The gestation period can be between 110 and 150 days. This time span is due to their ability to postpone maternity and wait until the most suitable moment for giving birth comes, so-called latent gestation. D 8

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THE CARPATHIAN LYNX Lynx lynx carpaticus

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It belongs to the largest beasts of prey from the cat family in Europe. Its tracks are similar to those of domestic cats, nonetheless they are three times bigger. Depending on available sustenance it is able to cover a wide area of up to 50 km². THE GREY SEAL Halichoerus grypus

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ESB

Seals have been kept in the zoo-park since 1992. Already twelve seal cubs have been born here, in 2006 even seal twins. Even though the seal populations in free nature have been slightly increasing in recent years, the seal is still endangered by industry and fishing. THE COMMON GENET Genetta genetta

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In ancient time the genet used to be kept by Egyptians and Romans as a pet and vermin hunter. Because of its stinking secretion it was later replaced by the domestic cat. The breeding of genets moved to farms since an extract from its secretion called „vivereum“ or „civet oil“ is used in the production of perfumes and medicines.

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THE EURASIAN WOLF Canis lupus lupus It is one of the subspecies of the grey wolf. Coat colour ranges from greyish white to black. Gradual domestication of this canine predator led to the separation of the Canis lupus familiaris subspecies - the domestic dog. Wolves form so-called packs. It is a grouping of individual wolves bound to one another by certain social relations. The basis of the pack is always the alpha pair. Other members of the pack are usually cubs from the first or second litter. The pack observes strict hierarchy and the size of the pack is influenced by many factors. One of them is the availability of prey within their territory, that is, the area inhabited by wolves. The usual number of individuals in the pack is around eight. The wolf feed mainly on the deer. However in times of shortage it would hunt anything, and would not turn away from a carcass, various fruits or rubbish. Wolf howling, composed of as many as 12 different harmonic tones, is certainly one of the most remarkable ways of communication. The deliberate changing of tones during mass howling is to make an impression that the number of howling individuals is larger than it really is. The visitors to the zoo-park may listen to such howling almost every day.

UNGULATES Ungulata

Ungulates belong to dominant herbivores inhabiting the Earth. The shared ability of fast running is given by the structure of limbs adapted to dynamic movement forward or backward. The reduced number of toes means less tendons and muscles and therefore lower consumption of energy and higher endurance. The ungulates are divided into two classes based on the number of toes on their feet. These are even-toed ungulates and odd-toes ungulates. Even-toed ungulates Artiodactyla The even number of toes is the shared characteristic of even-toed ungulates. The 3rd and 4th toe are developed the most, while other toes are more or less reduced, while the big toe is missing altogether.

Odd-toed ungulates Perissodactyla In odd-toed ungulates the axis of their limb runs through the third toe, which is often the largest. The last phalanxes of toes are protected with horny hooves.

ODD-TOED UNGULATES Perissodactyla

THE EASTERN KIANG Equus kiang holdereri

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Native to Tibetan plateaus, this is the largest representative of wild Asian asses. Kiangs live in small herds. Females get together in herds led by an old mare, males are either solitary or unite in small male herds. In the mating season the herds of both sexes unite. THE DOMESTIC HORSE Equus caballus see p. 25 - 26 THE PRZEWALSKIâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S HORSE Equus przewalskii

EEP

V 4

By the end of the sixties of the 20th century the species, living in central Asia, became extinct in the wild. Since 1988 it has been reintroduced to its habitat in reserves in Mongolia and China. The horse lives in herds composed of mares and foals led by one dominant stallion.

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THE DOMESTIC DONKEY Equus asinus The donkey is mainly used as a pack animal, but also as a draught or riding animal. Besides this the donkey provides very nourishing milk and meat.

EVEN-TOED UNGULATES

Artiodactyla

THE DOMESTIC WATER BUFFALO Bubalus bubalis

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The domesticated form of the water buffalo is used mainly as a pack and draught animal. The buffalo is an undemanding animal and the only thing it cannot really do without is water and the possibility to have a bath. V 2

THE DOMESTIC Bos grunniens

YAK

The yak is used especially in the mountainous areas of Asia as a pack and draught animal. They also have tasty meat and nourishing milk. Their coat is used to produce firm fabrics. In areas with lack of wood the yakâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s dung is used as fuel. Feeding buffalos is one of the activities presented during experience days and in educational programmes offered by the zoo-park. Really an extraordinary experience not only for children but for adults too.

THE RED DEER Cervus elaphus

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Originally this species used to live in steppes, however later it was pushed into woods by man. On the territory of the Czech Republic the red deer inhabits mostly wooded areas from which it wanders onto fields and pastures. Adult stags live alone, does and fawns form herds amounting up to 40 pieces. Roughly in the middle of September the mating season comes and forests liven up with loud red deer roaring. The tone and expression of the roaring vary depending on what the stag wants to express. For instance the roaring of a stag seeking does is quite different from the roar aiming to threaten a rival. THE BACTRIAN DEER Cervus elaphus bactrianus

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ESB

This deer is a highly endangered species that is rarely kept in captivity. In the Czech Republic you can watch this species only in our zoo-park, which has been authorized to manage and process data for ESB. The Bactrian deer has been bred in the zoo-park since 2003. In 1999 an alarmingly low number of animals was recorded surviving in the wild. A rescue project that followed has helped to increase the number of individual animals living in the wild. However the numbers are still very low. THE PERE DAVID‘S DEER Elaphurus davidianus

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Excessive hunting in the original habitat of this deer, that is, the northeast and the north of China, was one of causes for the extinction of the Pere David‘s deer in the wild. The species survived only thanks to the fact that it was kept behind the walls of the Nai-Hau-Tsue hunting park near Beijing from where it was taken to France as a gift from the Chinese emperor. This happened shortly before floods tore down the walls of the Emperor‘s park and most of the deer died. The remaining approximately thirty individuals in China were hunted down to extinction around the year of 1900. Thus the transport to Europe was a rescue operation in the 47 nick of time.

COMMON FEATURES OF DEER Deer (the Cervidae family) belong to ruminants. They press consumed food against the horny bar in the upper jaw where no incisors are located. With subsequent head movements sideways and upwards the food is torn away when the edge of the lower jaw functions in the same way as the edge of the ruler against which you place paper when tearing it away. As there is the possible risk of being attack by a predator the deer rapidly swallows the roughly chewed food that travels into the first compartment of stomach. When safe in a hiding place the deer regurgitates the food and chews it again into smaller pieces that travel into the stomach itself, called the abomasum, and are fully digested. Microorganisms present in the first compartment of the stomach help ruminants process the fibre that would otherwise be indigestible. The time spent in a hiding place by ruminating represents about 80 % of the total time of the grazing.

The digestive system of ruminants

the rumen

the oesophagus

the omasum the reticulum the small interstine

the abomasum ANTLERS Individual species of deer have specific antlers. They serve to show off the stagâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s strength visually and at the same time as a weapon when fighting rivals in the mating season. Every year in spring new antlers grow on the stagâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s head. After the mating season they are shed.

Red deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s antler - individual parts Royal antler Cartilage

Bay antler

Crown

Fourth tine

Grooves

Coronet Pearl 48

Main beam

Palm

THE DOMESTIC GOAT Capra hircus see p. 24 THE ALPINE IBEX Capra ibex The ibex lives in high altitudes of hardly accessible terrains in mountainous regions. As an excellent climber it spends most of the day on rocky cliffs where it is protected from predators.

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THE EAST EUROPEAN MOOSE Alces alces It lived on the territory of Bohemia as late as the 14th century but then disappeared quickly. The area of its distribution has moved north-eastward. The moose is a very high animal that may be up to 210 cm high at the shoulder. THE MOUFLON Ovis aries musimon The mouflon is a gregarious animal that lives mostly in mixed herds. Regular duels between rams take place from early childhood and individuals thus secure their social position within the herd.

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THE DOMESTIC SHEEP Ovis aries aries see p. 22 - 23 THE URIAL Ovis vignei

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The urial has been kept in the zoo-park since 2002. This species of sheep is rarely bred in captivity. Besides our zoo-park only three other European zoos have this species within their animal stock. THE MUSK OX Ovibos moschatus wardi

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EEP

This robust animal with weight up to 300 kg inhabits northern tundras and is perfectly adapted to this harsh environment. The capacity of its hair to keep away the cold is multiply higher than the same property of the sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s wool. The warm fur of the musk ox was the reason why the animal was killed by the hundred. A ban on the hunting of the ox issued in 1917 saved it from extinction. P 7

THE REINDEER Rangifer tarandus The reindeer is active a large part of the day and spends it wandering around. Within one day it can cover the distance of 60 km. An interesting feature of this species is that both sexes grow antlers that are used to dig up food from snow.

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THE ROE DEER Capreolus capreolus Males grow small antlers of up to 25 cm that they shed in the course of November and December. This is the most common even-toed ungulate in the Czech Republic.

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THE GOLDEN TAKIN Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi

ESB

This rare animal has almost been hunted down to extinction in the wild by the excessive activity of poachers. An interesting feature of the species is its skin that produces oily substances protecting it from rain and fog. The massive and strong horns of the takin can be as much as 60 cm long. THE MISHMI TAKIN Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor

ESB

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Even though takins make a clumsy impression, they move about swiftly when in need. Their closest relative is the musk ox.

THE AUROCHS-LIKE CATTLE Bos taurus

W 2

The last aurochs on this planet died in 1627 in a reserve near the Polish village of Jakt贸row. The back breeding of the species at the beginning of the 20th century shall be credited to German zoologist Heck. The result of this experiment was Heck cattle. In comparison to the original aurochs the animal is smaller and has smaller horns.

THE HIGHLAND CATTLE Bos taurus

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Archaelogical finds have proven its existence as early as the 6th century. Its resistant and undemanding nature makes it possible to breed the cattle outdoor throughout the whole year.

THE HUNGARIAN GREY CATTLE Bos taurus

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The ancestor of this breed was the aurochs. Antique pictures and sculptures show that this domesticated breed of cattle was distributed across the coast of the Mediterranean Sea all the way to ancient Greece. Later its range spread to the Carpathian Basin. Though they look dangerous they are not aggressive as a rule. However it is always good advice to be wary of the cattle. THE BACTRIAN CAMEL Camelus bactrianus N 7

The camel is perfectly adapted to the harsh environment of plateau steppes and semideserts. For instance its eyes are protected by long lashes from whirling sand. The slit-like nostrils are sealable, preventing entry of sand, and serve also as a barrier against water steam leaving the body in large amounts. Toes are covered with flexible calluses that make movement along sand easier. THE EUROPEAN BISON Bison bonasus

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EEP

Approximately until the half of the 18th century the European bison was a common species on the territory of the Czech Republic. On the other hand, the bison was a popular hunted animal since the medieval times and so its numbers gradually declined. In the end it disappeared from the wild completely. In 1932 the International Society for Conservation of the Bison was established, then the bison was kept only in captivity. The studbook was established and the numbers of the European bison began to increase. Thanks to these efforts the European bison is no longer an endangered species today. Bison have been kept in the zoo-park since 1975 and due to its involvement in the re-introduction program the zoo-park has participated in the rescue of this animal. 55

PRIMATES Primates BARBARY MACAQUE Macaca sylvanus

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It is the only species of monkeys found on the European continent. The macaque is a gregarious animal living in bands with strict hierarchy. It is a protected species on the territory of Gibraltar, which fact has a political background. It concerns the territorial dispute between Great Britain and Spain. A legend has it that as long as these monkeys live on the territory Gibraltar will belong to the British.

Macaques share one exposition area with urials (goat species see p. 51), which are absolutely free of conflict.

BATS

Chiroptera

E 11

THE EGYPTIAN ROUSETTE Rousettus aegyptianus These fruit bats live in colonies amounting to thousands of animals. They can orient themselves in space thanks to echolocation. Unlike other bats they produce no sounds audible for man. Their sound is produced by the fast vibration of the tongue. Based on reflections of the sound (echo) and their visual perceptions they control their flight. The colonies of the Egyptian rousette (also known as the Egyptian fruit bat) are usually divided into groups with strict hierarchy. You may observe the Egyptian rousette together with other animals in the exposition for nocturnal animals (the nocturarium) where animals active mainly at night are kept. In order to make it possible for the visitor to watch these animals at the time they are active the nocturarium functions on the principle of the day/night reversal. And so during visiting hours the animals there have night and the day starts for them with night in reality.

RODENTS AND THEIR TEETH Rodents are distinguished from other mammalian orders by four strong incisors. These are long curved teeth that grow permanently. They are protected by enamel only on the front side. The rear side is covered only in softer dentin that wears off by gnawing and thus the teeth are sharpened all the time.

RODENTS Rodentia

THE EURASIAN BEAVER Castor fiber

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A typical feature of beavers is two large frontal gnawing teeth. In the Eurasian beaver these teeth are of rich orange colour visible at first glance. The flat tail is not only useful for swimming - it is also as a signalling device. Slapping the tail against the water surface produces a warning signal audible from afar. The beaver may stay under water as long as 15 minutes. THE SIBERIAN CHIPMUNK Tamias sibiricus

E 11

Chipmunks, sometimes colloquially called ground squirrels, are definitely an attractive species for the visitors. The larger part of the day they are active: running and jumping about, collecting food into dug underground burrows that be up to 1 m deep. In the wild chipmunks live in free colonies. However within these colonies they have their private territories that they strictly guard. Violating the border of such territory often results in a tough fight that may end in the death of one of the rivals. THE SIBERIAN FLYING SQUIRREL Pteromys volans

E 11

This rodent obtained its name thanks to membranes of hairy skin that make it possible for it to float in the air from one tree to another. The â&#x20AC;&#x161;flightâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; is directed with the long tail. The squirrel lines its home in a tree hollow with moss for winter; the hollow is inhabited by several individuals during the winter season that mutually warm up one another. 61

THE INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINE Hystrix indica

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The offspring of the porcupine are born as well developed. Their spikes are soft at first but gradually harden to provide effective defence. When threatening their enemies porcupines turn their backs at them and rattle their developed spikes. When attacking they back in suddenly and the spikes that are loosely seated in their skin will stab into the enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s body. THE BOBAK MARMOT Marmota bobak

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Marmots live in colonies. These are composed of individual family members that strictly guard their territories. Marmots dwell in burrows that may be as much as 100 m long. In the depth of 4 meters there is a chamber lined with grass where marmots sleep and females give birth to offspring. E 11

THE LESSER EGYPTIAN JERBOA Jaculus jaculus Jerboas are very well adapted to living in desert areas. For instance the pads on their long legs are covered in coat so that jerboas may move about along hot sandy terrain. Jumps as long as 1 m make them very good jumpers, given the small size of their bodies. Jerboas move about using only hind legs, while their long tails (up to 20 cm) help them keep the balance.

BIRDS

Aves

One can hardly imagine nature without these winged feathery animals. The world of birds includes a plethora of species of various sizes. Within the area of the zoo-park you may observe miscellaneous species of birds either in exposition spaces or in the wild. Have a look into their world with us...

THE PELECANIFORMES ORDER Pelecaniformes

THE GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo I 6 Black birds with distinctive turquoise eyes and yellow colouring around the beak can be found in the vicinity of rivers and other bodies of water that provide them with a sufficient amount of food - fish. They are efficient â&#x20AC;&#x161;fishersâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; that can even submerge below the water surface to catch their prey. THE GREAT WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus

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The wingspan of this species may be up to 300 cm. It is characterised by a strong bill and a throat pouch. The menu is composed mostly of fish that the pelican catches while swimming along the water surface. Pelicans often make their hunt easier by hunting in groups and driving fish towards shallow waters. THE DALMATIAN PELICAN Pelecanus crispus

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The bird forms numerous colonies. The largest one of them can be found by the Mikri Prespa lake in Greece. The pelican builds nests in form of a heap of tree branches on floating or static islands.

EEP

Pelicans have a large throat pouch that they use to scoop fish or water for drinking. In hot summer days they use it as a ventilation system.

THE CICONIIFORMES ORDER Ciconiiformes

THE EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris

M 8

This bird very often stays in hiding. If being threatened it assumes a position with a raised beak and thanks to its masking colours it is almost invisible in its natural habitat. The presence of the males can be detected through their deep mating or contact foghorn-like calls. THE LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus

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The bird is the smallest representative of the heron family on the territory of the Czech Republic. It spends winters in the areas of equatorial Africa. The species is a very endangered one. Most often you can observe them in reed growth in which it moves about skilfully. THE EUROPEAN WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia

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A typical audible manifestation of the stork‘s presence is its beak clacking that the visitors to the zoo-park can often hear in the vicinity of the pond of Kamenný rýbník where storks nest. This species belongs to birds of passage. Flocks amounting to hundreds of individual birds fly away at the end of summer.

Next to the observation point at the pond of Kamenný rybník is a fully grown oak on the top of which there is a stork‘s nest. There you can observe storks all year round. The reason why the stork stays in the zoo-park all year long is the combination of disruption of the migratory abilities of a grown-up couple and the sufficiency of food. Reared offspring leave every year for wintering grounds with a ‚wild‘ couple from the near village of Zaječice.

THE EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia

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A typical feature of spoonbills is a spoon-shaped bill that helps them search through the muddy bottom of shallow waters. Flocks of spoonbills fly in long rows or form a V-shaped formation. When migrating they let themselves be carried by hot steam of air. THE NORTHERN BALD IBIS Geronticus eremita

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Found fossils have shown that a rare wading bird from the ibis family inhabited western Asia, the north of Africa and the south of Europe as early as 1.8 million years ago. Nowadays the bird is close to extinction. THE BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax

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It is one of the most common representatives of herons. Its eyesight is excellent and so it can detect its prey even in the darkness. The scientific name of Latin origin means â&#x20AC;&#x17E;the nocturnal rookâ&#x20AC;&#x153; in translation and probably reflects the distinctive hoarse voice of the bird. THE CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis

M 8

Unlike other herons that mostly feed on fish the menu of this bird is different while its way of hunting is quite specific. It mostly catches insect that accumulates around grazing cattle or wild animals. Besides insect the egret hunts frogs, mice and reptiles. Occasionally it flies over to the territory of the Czech Republic, however it rarely nests here. 69

FLAMINGOS

Phoenicopteriformes THE ROSY FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber roseus Numerous groups of flamingos inhabit vast lagoons and lakes. Mating is preceded by a mass mating call. Subsequent nesting takes place in soil cone-shaped structures that the female creates with its own beak.

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THE ANSERIFORMES ORDER

Anseriformes

I 6

THE CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Originally it was brought from Canada as a decorative species. The bird is very adaptable and it is only due to its elegant appearance that it is not punished for the damage that it causes in many town parks. The fact is that it likes to feed on decorative park plants. 70

THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis

M 8

Since 2007 the species has belonged to endangered birds. It nests in the cold climate of tundras in the north of Siberia. In winter it migrates into south-eastern Europe. The bird is often kept as a decorative animal. THE EUROPEAN GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas crecca crecca

M 8

The bird is the smallest one of European swimming ducks. It belongs to birds of passage and winters mainly in the Mediterranean. The teal is one of the best fliers among ducks. It is active especially at twilight and usually sleeps through the time around midday. THE GARGANEY Anas querquedula

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This bird is much more rarer than the European green-winged teak. The garganey migrates through the territory of the Czech Republic and builds nests here too, however its numbers are decreasing fast due to changes in the environment. In spring it can often be located in the Mediterranean, and it winters in Africa. THE COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula

K 7

This small diving duck inhabits northern waters and winters in areas with more temperate climate, including the territory of the Czech Republic.

THE SMEW Mergellus albellus

K 7

The most numerous flocks are located in the Netherlands and in the area around the Baltic sea. It is common that only one or two males can be found in an entire flock. The winter plumage makes the male one of the most impressive ducks of all. THE BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus

H 5

The goose spends summer around the steppe lakes of plateaus in central Asia (altitude around 4 - 5 MASL) and winters in lowland marshes of northern India. When migrating it forms a V-shaped formation and every 4 or 5 minutes the geese take turns in leading the flock. H 5

THE GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser This species is one of the ancestors of the domesticated goose. It likes most the green parts of various plants. Since its digestion system lacks in perfection it cannot sufficiently use all the nutrients in the food. Therefore it has to consume large amounts of food to secure all vital substances for the survival of its body. THE COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna

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This bird belongs to the smallest species among shelducks. The contrast colours of its black and white body are supplemented with a distinctively red bill, with a conspicuous bump on it in males. The female builds a nest in underground hollows, most often in dens left by other animals, such as the fox. 72

THE RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea

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Because of its distinctive colours this species used to be bred as an ornamental bird in Egypt and Greece. As far as nesting is concerned the bird is rather adaptable. It uses rocky clefts, dens, tree hollows and abandoned nests of birds of prey. THE MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata

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This species of duck is most common in China and is considered there a bird symbolizing imperishable love and happiness in marriage. Its visual representation is often put on various decorative objects. Thanks to its beautiful colourful plumage, which is especially distinctive in mating males, it is often kept in parks as a decorative bird. THE MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor

H 5

The swan, a typical inhabitant of water bodies and their surroundings, is distributed almost across the entire world, including the territory of the Czech Republic. Since the moment the man stopped chasing these birds their numbers have been increasing. Their love games are a curiosity. The male first winds its neck around the femaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s neck. Subsequently the female submerges in water so that only its head and neck can be seen, and then the male impregnates it. THE NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta

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The home of these birds is in northern regions. Before winter the pintail migrates to central and western Europe, the surroundings of the Mediterranean Sea or even to tropical Africa. It nests near lakes in lowlands and steppes, but also in tundras and in mountains.

THE TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula This species and its close relatives are good at diving for food. The tufted duck is able to dive as deep as 5 metres under water where it collects small molluscs and water insect.

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THE FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca It is the smallest species from among this type of diving ducks. Due to the destruction of its original biotope the bird has become an endangered species. It needs a lot of space for its never-ending activity. The ferruginous ducks live in pairs or in groups of very small numbers. THE RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta ruffina Red-crested pochards often form shared flocks with tufted ducks and common pochards on bodies of freshwater. A typical feature of males is long feathers on the head that make them look optically larger.

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BIRDS OF PREY

Falconiformes

Birds of prey are the best predators among all bird species. Typical features of most birds of prey are a distinctive hook at the end of the beak and sharp edges of the beak. Birds of prey feed only on animals.

THE WESTERN MARSH-HARRIER Circus aeruginosus

E 10

Harriers prefer open landscapes and always nest in the vicinity of water. During mating the males show acrobatic feats when they soar up to the skies and then swoop down behind their selected female bird. In winter the harrier migrates to southern Europe or Africa. THE WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE Haliaeetus albicilla

E 10

EEP

This is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe. Its wingspan can be anything up to 2.5 m. The eagle repeatedly uses its nest, which is situated in treetops, although as the years go by it may swap between various nests. Every year the bird reconstructs its nest. In this way structures reaching up to 2 m and weighing several hundred kilograms can be created. This method is shared with other birds of prey, for instance with the very next species - the golden eagle. THE GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos When seeking food this bird of prey soars high in the skies. Its good eyes make it easy to see the prey from great distance. Having caught the prey, the eagle will fly to an elevated spot and divide the prey up with its robust beak.

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THE STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis The species belongs to medium-sized eagles with the wingspan of up to 190 cm. It inhabits treeless flats, semideserts and savannas. The bird builds its nests in elevated places. It is a popular bird among falconers. In central Asia it is used to hunt antelopes, foxes and wolves. E 10

ESB

THE STELLER‘S SEA EAGLE Haliaeetus pelagicus This is one of the largest eagles on the planet. The females, which are as a rule bigger than males, may have the wingspan of up to 280 cm. Sometimes it is called the Kamchatka eagle, which reflects the fact that the original and prevailing habitat of this eagle is the Kamchatka peninsula.

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THE BEARDED VULTURE Gypaetus barbatus Bearded vultures roost on rocky cliffs of high mountains. Similarly as African vultures, the bearded vulture feeds on carcasses and is able to crush even large bones with its beak. In nature it fulfils a sanitary function, therefore it is nicknamed „the cleaner of Alpine meadows“ by some. Thanks to its metabolism and the strength of the stomach juices it is able to utilise all proteins, fats and minerals from its special feed - bones.

ESB

THE EURASIAN GRIFFON Gryps fulvus Unlike other birds of prey, griffons and vultures have long necks. The neck makes it possible for them to reach deep in the bodies of carcasses they consume. The griffon spends nights on rocky cliffs or ledges in groups of 30 - 40 specimens. In the morning, as soon as the air gets warm and rising air streams form, the griffon leaves its night station and uses the streams for the flight and gliding. 78

THE GALLIFORMES ORDER Galliformes

H 9

THE GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus The pheasant originally comes from the forests and mountainous areas of western China. However it has been introduced to many countries as a hunting species. In the mating season the maleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s mating calls attract the females. What follows is the wedding dance during which the male whirls around the female, flutters its wings and shows off its plumage. areĂĄl

THE INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus It has been bred as a decorative bird for more than 3000 years. It has been distributed from its original home in India and Sri Lanka across the entire world. The males make themselves noticeable by a penetrating shriek. When walking through the zoo-park you are most likely to encounter peacocks in the vicinity of the administration building and near the exposition area for wolves. THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa H 9

The bird comes from southern France, Corsica and Spain. Nowadays it is bred by man and introduced into the wild in various parts of Europe.

THE GRUIFORMES ORDER

Gruiformes CRANES

Shared features of cranes are a long neck and legs. A specific feature is that cranes shed their wing feathers and are incapable of flying before they grow new ones. With large species this happens every other year. The anatomy of cranes is interesting by a long windpipe that is folded into a loop located in the hollow crest of the breastbone. This is a resonating organ thanks to which the roaring voices of cranes can be heard from a great distance. 2

4 6

1 the tongue connected with forked hyoid bone 2 the larynx with epiglottis 3 the windpipe 4 the windpipe folded into the hollow crest of the breastbone 5 lungs 6 the breastbone crest 7 the breastbone

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THE WHITE-NAPED CRANE Grus vipio This crane belongs to threatened species. Its natural nesting grounds are being lost as a consequence of drying wetlands. Its population in the wild is estimated at mere 5000 specimens. THE SIBERIAN CRANE Grus leucogeranus Hunting along its migrating routes and the destruction of its natural habitats puts the population of these birds at stake. Especially the nestEEP ing grounds in the most northern parts of Russia, where it takes long for the landscape to regenerate, are very much disturbed.

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EEP

THE RED-CROWNED CRANE Grus japonensis The second largest crane species inhabits eastern parts of Asia and is considered by local people a symbol of happiness and loyalty. In Taoism it is the symbol of longevity and immortality. An interesting feature of this crane is the red nape of the neck that turns light red when the crane is upset. This crane species is also highly endangered.

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THE DEMOISELLE CRANE Anthropoides virgo One of the smallest species among cranes has, unlike other cranes, its head fully covered with feathers. Its natural habitat is a steppe, however it is often seen near rivers, lakes and marshes. It winters in Africa.

THE EURASIAN CRANE Grus grus It is often encountered on the territory of the Czech Republic where it nests approximately from the middle of April. Couples build their nests in flooded locations, reed vegetation or marshes with thinly distributed trees. The Eurasian crane loves peat bogs. Together with its offspring it stays within its territory all summer long. In September it flies away to wintering locations. When it comes back to the nesting location in spring, the young birds stay outside the territory of the adult couple in which they are not tolerated. THE PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyrio

M 8

Its body is embellished with plumage of purple blue. Even though its flight is very clumsy, it can still cover great distances. Swamphens are great swimmers, even though they have no swimming web. The bird often uses one leg to put the food in its beak, it rarely pecks anything directly from the ground.

THE CHARADRIIFORMES ORDER

Charadriiformes I 9

THE STONE CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus The distinctive features of this bird are high legs of light colour and sulphur yellow eyes. The bird mostly moves along the ground in a crouched position, often stops and stands without moving. It is very shy. Before winter it migrates from northern nesting grounds into more temperate zones.

THE PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta

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A long-winged bird of the size of a crow can be found in Europe and Asia. Some birds from this species are birds of passage, however avocets staying in Spain or England are known to stay in the same place all year long. In the Czech Republic avocets can be encountered in the period between April and September. Regular nesting of this species has been recorded in the basin of České Budějovice. A characteristic feature of this bird is a long, thin beak curved upwards.

THE COLUMBIFORMES

Columbiformes

THE SPOTTED DOVE Streptopelia chinensis chinensis

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The bird is distributed from India to southern parts of China and lives near people in suburban areas, parks, gardens and woods. It either lives in couples or in groups of varying sizes. THE EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur It nests in the area ranging from Europe to Siberia. In winter the bird migrates to the Mediterranean and partially to Africa. The turtle dove is very shy and can rarely K 7 be seen in the wild. During the nesting period it jealously guards its territory and is very aggressive towards other specimens of its species. THE LAUGHING DOVE Streptopelia senegalensis

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Besides the areas of SubSaharan Africa, where it is the most common bird of the pigeon family, it can also be found in the Canary islands and in an area ranging from the east Mediterranean all the way to India. Similarly as other doves, the laughing dove often lives in monogamous couples and only rarely in larger groups.

PARROTS

Psittaciformes

THE SLATY-HEADED PARAKEET Psittacula himalayana I 9

It inhabits mountainous forests from eastern Afghanistan to Northern India, Assam and Nepal. It has been seen in altitudes up to 3 800 MASL.

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THE DERBYAN PARAKEET Psittacula derbiana

The name of this species refers to Edward Stanley, the 13th count of Derby. The bird inhabits mountainous forests of China and Tibet in areas of up to 4000 MASL. It lives in flocks and forms monogamous couples. Its population is mainly threatened by illegal hunting.

OWLS

Strigiformes E 10

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THE URAL OWL Strix uralensis The most common place of its range is Siberia. Its occurrence on the Czech territory is very rare. It is active at night as well as during the daytime. When hunting it uses its brilliant sense of hearing, thanks to which it is able to catch prey hidden under the snow. H 8

THE TAWNY OWL Strix aluco The most common nesting grounds for this owl are tree hollows, rarely nests of other birds and buildings.It likes to settle down in large nesting boxes. The owl carefully guards laid eggs, and later the offspring, the female is capable of attacking unwelcome visitors, including large animals and the man. THE GREAT GREY OWL Strix nebulosa

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This is one of the largest owls. The face mask is lined with white feathers resembling a moustache. Hence some people call it the bearded owl. Its ability to hunt in deep snowdrifts makes it possible for the owl to live in cold conditions. It is able to crush through a thick ice crust that could carry the weight of a man. THE COMMON BARN-OWL Tyto alba A highly threatened species on the territory of the Czech Republic. In comparison to other owls it has faster metabolism and so it consumes more food, especially rodents. It hunts by attacking from a look-out position or by flying low over the ground. Its favourite hunting ground is the edges of roads with rough grass. 86

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THE NORTHERN HAWK OWL Surnia ulula The owl is active at night as well as during the daytime. It can hunt down a much larger animal than itself. When flying it resembles the hawk. Hence the English name Northern Hawk Owl. THE SNOWY OWL Nyctea scandiaca

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It is most often found in tundras of the northern part of Europe, Asia, Greenland and Canada. It is adapted to cold conditions. In winter the snowy owl is active at dawn and at twilight, in summer it is active during the day. THE BOREAL OWL Aegolius funereus

This owl of medium size prefers deep forests. It can be watched in the wild very rarely. It is active only at night and during a calm night its voice manifestations can be heard from a distance of up to 3 km. Most often it nests in north-eastern Europe, less often in higher altitudes of central Europe, on our territory especially in the Bohemian Forest. THE EURASIAN PYGMY OWL Glaucidium passerinum This is the smallest species of the European owl. It is so gullible that it lets a man get in its close proximity. However when feeling in danger it would not hesitate attack him, regardless of its small size. The pygmy owl on our territory is most often found in the Bohemian Forest and in the NovohradskĂŠ mountains. However you may encounter it in other parts of our country too; still this species is highly endangered and under special protection. 87

THE LITTLE OWL Athene noctua By its scientific name Athena‘s owl or the owl of the goddess of wisdom used to be the most common species of owl on the territory of the Czech Republic. Nowadays it is critically endangered. It usually hunts at twilight, especially voles. It nests in tree hollows. Little owls form couples and similarly as with other species of owl it is only the female that sits on the eggs, while the male is seeking food. The male‘s task is to guard the couple‘s territory. E 10

THE EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL Bubo bubo

The eagle owl is distributed almost across entire Europe, in large parts of Asia and in North-Western Africa. This owl is a nocturnal hunter within a large territory, that amounts to up to 15 km from the nest during the nesting period. The females of eagle-owls are larger than males and have a grater I 9 wingspan. THE EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops The second smallest owl occurring on the territory of the Czech Republic. It rarely builds nests here since it, it migrates to the south before winter. This is a nocturnal animal that catches insect, including spiders.

THE CORACIIFORMES ORDER

Coraciiformes

THE EUROPEAN ROLLER Coracias garrulus

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This bird of manifold colours lives mostly alone, only in southern Europe in colonies. Its Czech name is derived from the fact that it waits for its prey at elevated locations.

PASSERINES

Passeriformes

THE SISKIN Carduelis spinus

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This is a monotypic species, which means that no subspecies are known. The siskin nests especially in coniferous woods in higher altitudes over a vast territory of Europe. From time immemorial the siskin used to be a welcome and easy prey, and besides the hunting for food, which is quite unthinkable today, it was also a favourite pet bird. THE RED-BILLED BLUE PIE Urocissa erythrorhyncha The home habitat of the blue pie is a large area ranging from the Himalayas over China all the way to Vietnam. This species is distinctively noisy. Its voice repertoire is varied, it can even imitate other birds. In its home habitats it performs a similar function as our jay, that is, on seeing a beast of prey it starts shouting loud.

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THE AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE Cyanopica cyana

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The species is similar to the common magpie, however it is smaller, thinner and its colours are somewhat different, especially thanks to the blue colour on wings and the tail. It is distributed in two separated populations. One is located in Europe and the other one in Asia.

The natural area of the zoo-park provides living space for a number of birds from the wild. These are, for instance: the Eurasian Nuthatch (Sita europea), the Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla), the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), The European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), The Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) or the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major).

REPTILES Reptilia

Reptiles are remarkable animals. Except for Antarctica representatives of reptiles can be found on all continents. Their favourite environment is tropical and subtropical territories. They are cold-blooded animals, which means that they cannot develop heat with their organisms. Their bodies are covered in stiff horny scales or shells. Offspring are born from eggs.

TURTLES

B 9

Chelonia

THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE Emys orbicularis It is most often found in cut-off meanders of rivers with static water and in ponds. In winter season (roughly from October to April) it hibernates at the river bottom dug in mud. The females are larger than males, the difference in size is about 10 cm. The shell is dark with yellow spots. THE CENTRAL ASIAN TORTOISE Testudo horsfieldii kazachstanica

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It is also sometimes called the steppe tortoise. It lives in an arid landscape with partially rocky but also soil surface. Strong claws and the flat shell make it possible for this tortoise to dig dens up to 2 metres deep, which serve as a safe shelter against predators and varying temperatures. B 9

THE HERMANNâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S TORTOISE Testudo hermanni This tortoise prefers steppe landscapes covered in bushes with a lot of stones that provide shelter.

THE SCALED REPTILES Squamata

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THE STARRED AGAMA Laudakia stellio The typical feature of this lizard is sharp scales located at the sides of the head. Its maximal length is about 35 cm. It likes to stay in rocky areas, on stone walls and in olive growths. It is a thermophilic species. THE SCHELTOPUSIK LIZZARD Pseudopus apodus B 9

It is the largest species of the slowworm. The scales of the scheltopusik are arranged in rings. Unlike snakes, this lizard has its eyes protected with lids and therefore it can blink. It seeks food, i.e. insect, mainly on the ground, however it is also quite a skilful climber. THE VEILED CHAMELEON Chamaeleo calyptratus

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A remarkable quality of this animal is that it can change colours, which results from its efforts to merge with its surroundings, however the colour may also reflect the feelings of the animal. The spectrum of colours is firmly fixed for every individual. Another interesting aspect is the eyes that can see the prey from a great distance, moreover, the animal can control its eyes separately and focus on two targets at the same. In the wild it seeks dry places with bushes and spends most of the time in their branches. 93

THE TUNISIAN EYED LIZARD Timon pater

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A representative from the Timon family belongs to the largest lizards in the world. Tunisian eyed lizards have been found as high as 2000 MASL. However they prefer dry and rocky places. The offspring are of brown colour, the colour changes to green in about two monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s time. THE OCELLATED LIZARD Timon lepidus

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This lizard likes dry bushy slopes and seeks hollow trees or burrows of rodents for shelter. It is a fast runner and an excellent tree climber, and can even jump. It has strong claws and jaws, which can cause perceptible scratches and bites even to the man. It is not rare that it wins a fight with a dog or cat. THE OCELLATED SKINK Chalcides ocellatus

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The skink remain agile all day long. It mostly hunts its food at tree root. The skink usually catches insect or small lizards. Lizards generally tend to reduce limbs, however with the skink this tendency is especially obvious. There are 800 different species in the Scincidae family. Some lay eggs, others (such as the ocellated skink) are viviparous. THE HORSESHOE WHIPSNAKE Hemorrhois hippocrepis

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This grass snake obtained its name because of the horseshoe pattern on the nape of the neck. It seeks abandoned places with sufficient sunshine. When it bites it discharges a toxin, which is however not dangerous for a healthy man. 94

THE AFRICAN SPINYTAILED LIZARD Uromastyx acanthinura

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The lizard uses its short and strong tail covered in scales to close the entrance into its den thus threatening all unwelcome visitors. It can also use its tail as a baton and in the case of acute defence it will even bite the enemy. THE AMUR RAT SNAKE Elaphe schrencki

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It is a very good tree and bush climber where it hunts small birds, while a large part of its menu consists of birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s eggs. This snake is popular for breeding, especially thanks to its calm nature, and is suitable for inexperienced owners of home terrariums. THE SMOOTH SNAKE Coronella austriaca The snakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s name suggests that its scales are smooth, unlike the scales of grass snakes from the Natrix family. As the only grass snake of its kind it is viviparous. When being threatened it emits a smelly liquid from its cloaca and bites furiously.

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THE AESCULAPIAN SNAKE Zamenis longissimus This is the most rare, the most endangered and the longest snake living on the territory of the Czech Republic. It seeks stony slopes and bushy growth, the edges of pastures or wood clearances that provide safe shelters. This snake is depicted on the medical emblem. 95

THE LADDER SNAKE Rhinechis scalaris

B 9

A strong, not poisonous snake that tends to hide furiously. Even though this is a grass snake, it can still climb trees well. The snake has distinctive dark longitudinal stripes, young specimens also have transverse stripes that form the letter H. THE COMMON ADDER Vipera berus

B 9

The only poisonous snake occurring on the territory of the Czech Republic. It is very resistant to cold weather. Out of all European snakes its range reaches furthest to the north. B 9

THE LONG-NOSED VIPER Vipera ammodytes

This is one of the most poisonous European snakes. The effect of its poison is immediate. However the snake hesitates before it bites, and bites only in extreme cases. The name of the snake refers to a typical horn at the tip of its nose.

AMPHIBIANS

Amphibia

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THE ORIENTAL FIRE-BELLIED TOAD Bombina orientalis This toad is protected from predators by the warning colours on its belly, it also exudes a skin secretion containing poisonous toxins that irritate mucous membranes and eyes of the enemy. 96

The world of reptiles and amphibians is concentrated in the expositions of the terrarium.

The educational and experience-focused programmes offer the option of the immediate meeting with the animals we keep, accompanied with an interesting presentation and explication.

FISH

Osteichthyes

At the entrance into the the zoo-park you will notice aquariums with several species of freshwater fish located between the nocturnarium and the Tajga restaurant. There you can watch for instance the Pumpkinseed sunfish (Nepomis gibbosus), the Ide (Leuciscus idus), the Topmouth Gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) or the Tench (Tinca tinca).

INVERTEBRATES Invertebrata

A permanent exposition of invertebrates is a part of the nocturnarium. You can observe specimens of arachnids, such as the European Reddish (Tegenaria ferruginea) with its large webs ending in a web pipe in which the spider spends most of its time. Another arachnid is Euscorpius tergestinus (no common English name), which could be found on the territory of the Czech republic as late as the middle of the 80ies of the last century. A remarkable quality of scorpions is their ability to ‚shine‘ in the shine ultraviolet radiation of certain wavelength. The exposition of the nocturnarium has been fitted with special lighting so that the „shining“ scorpions could be visible all night long. One of the most numerous group of insect is ants. Three small insectariums represent an opportunity to observe the life of ants from the Myrmica genus. Moreover, there are three insect houses located on the premises of the zoo-park. These provide a shelter for various species from the Hymenoptera order. The most numerous species there are wasps of the genus Trypoxylon and their parasites cuckoo wasps (Trichrys cyanea). Especially in the spring season the solitary bees of the genus Osmia are nesting there. 99

SERVICES THE AMĂ LKA LOCAL TRAIN Especially children will certainly appreciate a ride in this small train over the premises of the exposition part.

SAFARI EXPRESS The part called Eurosafari can be visited only if you get onto the Safari express. Thus you can find yourself face to face with wild animals that live in this 30 hectare area (see p. 13).

MEET OUR ANIMALS From April to September you can learn interesting information about individual species at the expositions of grey seals, brown bears, Barbary macaques and in the walk through aviary for water birds. As for seals the explication is combined with feeding. Visitors themselves are allowed to feed fish to the seals.

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RESTAURANTS AND KIOSKS Restaurants offer meals, drink and nice refreshments. There are also kiosks with refreshments and souvenirs that are located between individual expositions.

CHILDREN IN THE ZOO In order to make the visit in the zoo more interesting for the smallest of visitors we have distributed a number of climbing frames, chutes, and swings across the premises. Enticing attractions include the rope climbing centre and the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s zoo.

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Educational elements to be used to make learning entertaining.

Information panels provide interesting pieces of information about fauna and flora. The book placed on tree stump and small wooden houses provide information about insect that is integral part of the zoo-park.

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Rides on horses and ponies are very popular with children. This option is offered by the Pony rodeo.

Accompanying events organized in the zoo focus mainly on our children visitors.

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OPENED 365 DAYS A YEAR 104

A YEAR IN THE ZOO

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SPRING

The fauna and flora in ecstasy visible at every step you take create a unique spring atmosphere. Warming rays of the sun invite you to take the trip to the zoo-park.

Spring is the time when the largest number of offspring is born. Most newly born animals can be observed in the exposition of domestic animals.

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SUMMER

The animals enjoy the sun and hot weather to the full. New offspring grow and it is a pleasure to watch their capers. The period with the highest number of visitors not only offers the possibility to observe the animals in their most active period - there are many accompanying services for the visitors too. For instance the ride of the Safari express takes place in the evening.

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AUTUMN

The zoo-park in the autumn colours is simply charming and this is not only because of the prevailing numbers of deciduous trees in the zoo-park. Such experience gains momentum if you are lucky to watch a red deer in its full beauty surrounded by the colours of autumn.

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WINTER

The zoo-park is beautiful even in winter. Most species come from regions where winter is a common fact and are adapted to it. Some animals are even more active than in the summer season. One of them is the wolverine.

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EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES

CELEBARTION OF BIRTHDAY IN THE ZOO We will take care of the entertainment for children and adults in the course of a birthday celebration. The program includes meeting animals and a lot of games and competitions. Try to surprise your relatives, friends and other close people and order a celebration in the zoo.

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ARE YOU SEEKING A VENUE FOR YOUR WEDDING? The unique environment of the Chomutov zoo-park offers many beautiful places. The 112 hectares of the zoo-park contain picturesque places, such as the sweet chestnut

orchard from the 17th century, the pond of Kamenný rybník and the historical open-air village museum Stará Ves. There are almost no limits to available options. Just pick the right one for you. We will take care of the rest.

TAKE A RIDE IN A CARRIAGE A carriage drawn by horses may be an extraordinary experience for you not only on the occasion of a wedding - there are other outstanding events in life.

More information about outstanding experiences to be found at www.zoopark.cz in the section Návštěvnický servis.

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www.zoopark.cz At www.zoopark.cz you can find updated information on programs of accompanying events, news about animals, as well as general information about entry fees, opening hours and species of animals kept and bred in the zoo-park, including photographs and much more.

The main page of this website presents a neat and clear description of individual section in which detailed information can be found.

You can find us also at the social network of Facebook.com, where we publish photographs from past events and create photo galleries with newly born animals. Try it yourself and become our friend.

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SOUVENIRS

The shop with souvenirs provides a wide range of souvenirs related to the zoo topics. Have a look at selected objects at www.zoopark.cz in the section Návštěvnický servis/ Zooshop.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP? ADOPTION OF ANIMALS Have you got a favourite among the animals? Use the opportunity and join those who care about animals. Become an adoptive parent. The website www.zoopark.cz, section Adopce a sponzoring (Adoption and sponsoring) presents a list of animals and financial sums for which individual animals can be adopted.

SPONSORING Would you like to contribute to the breeding and nutrition of your favourite animal and you do not want to choose from the list with fixed sums? Become a sponsor. We really appreciate even small donations. If you are interested in the sponsoring or adoption of animals you will find electronic forms that are easy to complete and sent to www.zoopark.cz. If you prefer meeting in person, we can meet you in the secretariat department in the administrative building of the zoo-park. Just to make sure that we will be available make an appointment by phoning to 474 624 412. The easiest way to contribute to the breeding of animals in the zoo-park and to support the rescue projects for endangered animals is to send an sms donation. The pattern of such SMS should be

DMS PZOO

and the sms should be sent to number

87 777

The price of DMS is 30 CZK. The zoo-park will receive 27 CZK out of this sum. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT

www.zoopark.cz

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WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT!

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The administrator and operator of Chomotov zoo-park of Podkrušnohoří, is

THE STATUTORY TOWN OF CHOMUTOV

HISTORY PICKS YOUR EYE AT EVERY CORNER OF CHOMUTOV TOWN Most tourists heading for Chomutov know that this town in the foothills of the Ore Mountains attracts nature and sports lovers by its many natural beauties and unique formations, such as the lake of Kamencové jezero or the valley Bezručovo údolí. The more they are surprised when they arrive in the town and can see history at every corner of it. The historical centre of the town has been a historical preservation zone with many beautiful points for the last 20 years. The core of the town has kept its medieval layout typical for the market town and the entire square of 1st May (Náměstí 1. máje) presents burgher houses with ground floor galleries and preserved honeycomb vaulting from the late Gothic period. The most precious historical monument is the St. Catherine church. It was constructed at the commandery of the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem in the middle of the 13th century, which makes it one of the oldest early Gothic churches in central Europe. In the year of 2000 it was opened for the public after more than 200 years. It has become a venue for exhibitions and concerts 121

and can be visited within the tour of the exposition of the Regional Museum. The adjacent commandery was converted into a Renaissance castle and after 1605 into a town hall that has served its purpose to these days. It houses a unique treasury with a Renaissance painting depicting the Tobias legend. The northern part of the square is dominated by the town tower that towers over the town and offers a wonderful lookout stop. It has been rebuilt several times, the last time in 1874 in the neogothic style. The tower is adjacent to the dean‘s Gothic church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The most significant building in the southern part of the square is the fourtower early Baroque church of St. Ignatius, built by Italian architect Carlo Lurage. The church belongs to the extensive premises of the former Jusuit precinct. The construction was initiated by Jiří Popel from Lobkovice, the supreme burgrave of the Czech Kingdom. Beside the aforementioned church the precinct includes the building of the medieval warehouse, nowadays a part of the town hall, the Renaissance square with galleries, buildings of the former Jesuit College, nowadays a library, and the Jesuit Grammar school building, today the headquarters of the Regional Museum. Those who would like to stroll through the historical centre of Chomutov can use the guide in the mp3 format that is ready for downloading on the tourist website at www.eChomutov.cz, it is also possible to borrow the mp3 player from the town information centre at the address the street U Městských mlýnů. The co-operation between the zoo-park and the town of Chomutov lies, among other things, in the combining and interlinking of accompanying events. This especially applies to traditional feasts organised every year.

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Podkrušnohorský zoopark Chomutov, p. o.

Přemyslova 259, 430 01 Chomutov, the Czech Republic Phone: +420 474 624 412 Email: zoopark@zoopark.cz www.zoopark.cz

This publication is a product of the work of the employees of the PZOO, the photographs used come from the archive of the PZOO.

CO-FINANCED FROM THE EUROPEAN FUND FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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