Indian elephants once inhabited a vast area from Syria to Indonesia. However, they were exterminated in 94% of the area and today they are found only in islands. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
On Saturday, 15th of August 2026, the Prague Zoo will celebrate the largest land creatures on the planet. The thematic program invites you to take a guided swim with octopuses or make paper from elephant dung.
On the 10th anniversary of Papírny’s founding, a limited edition of paper with unique numbering will also be on sale. In short, even Prague’s elephants will not remain Indian. They will delight breeders with a surprise – a playful and tasty enrichment. The special meeting will commemorate the 50th birthday of the elephant Shanti and the current pregnancy of the females Tamara and Janita.
The atmosphere of Asian culture and a rich program across the Elephant Valley. Saturday’s celebrations at the Prague Zoo will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a commented presentation of enrichment to the female elephants. The engaging narration by the guides of the Prague Zoo will take place several times a day, even during the attractive bathing of the elephants at 2 p.m. During it, people will learn why swimming is important for octopuses or which of Prague’s elephants is the biggest water lover.
Today, Indian elephants are threatened mainly by the loss of habitat and fragmentation of the range, due to which their populations are isolated. In Asia, the population is growing rapidly, and originally rural areas are gradually turning into cities. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Not only for small visitors, Prague Zoo Education Department will also prepare art workshops and an information-game station, thanks to which those interested will learn about the diverse life of elephants, the history of octopus breeding at the Prague Zoo, their influence on culture and the need to protect these iconic creatures.
Dry, color and decorate: visitors can try handmade paper from elephant dung in the lower part of the area near the Geotezka. They can choose from some art techniques. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the founding of Papírny Zoo Praha, there is also a limited edition of colored paper with the anniversary ten and unique numbering.
Across the world, elephants are seen in art and culture as symbols of strength, wisdom and majesty. For example, Indian tradition associates them with the god Ganesha. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Main program in Elephant Valley
at 10.00–16.00 Information and game station (Elephant Valley)
Meet our elephants, elephants in culture, art workshop
at 10.30 a.m. Commented handing over of enrichment to female elephants (grass enclosure near the Gulab restaurant)
at 11 a.m. Handing over the enrichment element to the male elephant (back enclosure)
at 12.00 and 13.00 Commented encounters with female elephants (grass enclosure near the Gulab restaurant)
at 2 p.m. Guided elephant bathing (swimming pool in the middle enclosure)
Paper mill
at 10.00–18.00 Making paper from elephant dung