EVENTS IN THE ZOO: The weekend belongs to the Derby antelope, the llamas have a summer haircut

"With the help of face painting, children will be able to turn into little antelopes and make their own horns, coloring books, sidewalk drawings, tattoos and other entertainment will also be prepared for them. There will also be a life-size antelope on the sail, which will allow small and large visitors to compete. It will also be possible to buy T-shirts, badges, stickers or magnets with the Derby antelope motif throughout the day, "said Šárka Kalousková, a spokeswoman for the Ostrava Zoo, about Saturday's program.

She added that the proceeds from the sale would go to the antelope rescue program.

The antelope action starts at the zoo at 9 am and continues until 6 pm.

Historic trolleybus to the zoo

The Ostrava transport company has prepared the last holiday ride on a historic trolleybus for tomorrow. The route will lead from the Main Railway Station through the Božena Němcová Park, around the New Town Hall and across the Pionýrů Bridge to the Ostrava Zoo and back along the same route.

Trolleybuses will depart from the station every hour from 9.23 to 16.23. Back from the zoo also at hourly intervals from 9.56 to 16.56 hours. The fare is 26 crowns for adults and 13 crowns for children from 6 to 15 years. Tickets will be available for purchase directly from the trolleybus guide.

CURRENT EVENTS IN THE ZOO

The zoo has a rare pig from the Philippines

A new addition to the Ostrava Zoo is one of the rarest pigs in the world, the Visayan pig. A two-year-old female named Scarlet arrived from the English zoo in Newquay. Scarlet won't be left alone for long. She should look forward to a partner soon.

Steamy days: even animals in the zoo are looking for refreshment

Temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. Such weather lasted for several days over the Moravian-Silesian metropolis. Even thermophilic animals from the Ostrava Zoo spend hot days in the shade or looking for refreshment in the water. Therefore, the zoo staff prepares several measures against the heat. Mainly in less spacious and old quarters.

"Tigers, parrots or chimpanzees have outdoor showers installed. Chimpanzees see them not only as a means of control, but also to replenish fluids. In addition to showers, our closest relatives also receive specially prepared summer snacks in the form of pieces of garden hoses filled with frozen bananas. They will not only refresh the chimpanzees, but also entertain them, as getting to banana delicacy is not just that, "describes Ostrava Zoo spokeswoman Šárka Kalousková.

He adds that the showers also sprinkle the pand's natural enclosure, although they do not look for water for bathing or refreshment despite their thick fur. However, fogging serves to cool the air. "The tigers then have a swimming pool in one of the enclosures, where especially growing young like to roll around and dispel myths that cats are afraid of water," added Kalousková.

In large natural enclosures, mature trees and shades provide animals with natural shade. In addition, deer have mudflats, which they like to use for cooling off. Elephants use a paddling pool and shower for water games. Even after years spent in small concrete enclosures, where the temperature often reached up to fifty degrees Celsius, even bears enjoy their new home in the almost hectare enclosure of the Čitván exhibition. The enclosure consists not only of dense forest, but also a natural lake.

The llamas have a summer haircut

Alpaca llamas received a summer haircut at the end of the working week. The alpaca llama behaves not only for quality soft wool but also for meat.

"They are sheared once every two years, and about 2-5 kg ​​of wool is obtained from one animal," said zoo spokeswoman Šárka Kalousková on Friday.

In the Ostrava Zoo, wool is used mainly by predators, which they use as a material to line their nests. E.g. The bear not only warms up the bearded vulture (pictured below), but also serves as a camouflage - the dust-covered chick blends in perfectly with it.

TOPIC: The zoo offers wheelchairs to people with reduced mobility

The Ostrava Zoo continues to gradually remove barriers in order to make its premises accessible to all groups of visitors to parents with small children, seniors and the disabled.

"In addition to building modifications, we are also expanding services for immobile visitors. We are aware that the zoo complex is large and relatively rugged. Therefore, we now offer people with reduced mobility who do not have their own wheelchair, but would still like to see the zoo, the possibility of renting a wheelchair free of charge. Thanks to the support of the Prazdroj program for people, we have purchased two such carts, which are available to those interested at the entrance to the zoo, "said zoo spokeswoman Šárka Kalousková, adding that the Ostrava Zoo was established in the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when the needs of the disabled and people with reduced mobility have not been sufficiently taken into account.

"In recent years, therefore, a number of barriers have been gradually removed in the zoo, we have rebuilt the entrances to the pavilions and replaced most of the views of the outdoor enclosures with glass for a comfortable view from the ground, and a number of rest areas. Of course, the new buildings are already completely barrier-free, including barrier-free toilets, "Kalousková emphasized.