Ondřej Pecha, the Councillor for Culture handed over the letter of appointment to the new director of Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek, former director of Czech Radio Online, an experienced manager and expert in special biology, ecology and zoology. He will take up the post on 1st January 2010.
“I would still like to invite Praguers to come to the zoo on Christmas Eve and on New Year’s Eve when we are open until 2 p.m. As for Christmas in the zoo, the animals that benefit the most from Christmas time are probably reindeer and deer, which usually feed on unsold Christmas trees.”
Technology is not the most important thing
It has often been said in connection with the appointment of the new director that Mr. Bobek will mainly promote the zoo over the internet. “Let’s say that the use of technology is not absolutely crucial but it will definitely be reflected on the internet site,” said Mr. Bobek. “However, the most crucial thing are the animals and although I have a lot of ideas, I have to consult and discuss everything with the curators first. I have a definite intention, I will just hint that it is animals that are not demanding and do not need big pavilions but is unique and what is more is that it was an inspiration for one of the most famous books by Karel Čapek,” said Mr. Bobek.
New projects and finance
There are plans to build a new elephant pavilion, the construction should start in 2010. Other small investments will not be as large as they used to be. “I am afraid that apart from big investments, there will not be many small ones, which are financed partially by the City of Prague and partially by the zoo, as the year 2010 will be the first year that there is no money for these purposes,” Mr. Bobek pointed out . “The recession has also affected the zoo, but I don’t want to be sceptical,” he added.