Brno will give four million to the zoo for the reconstruction of the polar bear enclosure

Brno - Brno will allocate four million crowns for the reconstruction of the polar bear exhibit in the zoo. It is expected to take place this year. The zoo has the opportunity to acquire another male after the death of male Umca last year, but a condition is the modification of the enclosure. Therefore, the city included the investment in this year's budget. Councillor Jaroslav Suchý (KDU-ČSL) told reporters.

The planned construction modifications include enlarging the pool in the exhibit enclosure both in area and depth, reconstructing the walls of the enclosure, and increasing the area of the holding enclosure by 300 square meters. The side viewing platforms for visitors will also be extended.

The bear enclosure designed by architect Otto Eisler is from 1959, said Deputy Mayor Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL). "Back then, it was considered the largest and most modern in Czechoslovakia. Polar bears have been here since 2006, and since then the female Cora has successfully raised five cubs, which have strengthened breeding programs both in the Czech Republic and abroad," Hladík reminded.

However, he stated that it is essential to acquire a new male after Umca's death to continue breeding. "That is why we decided on an expedited solution," added Hladík.

According to the zoo spokesperson Michal Vaňáč, the exhibit is located on a rock, so it will not be easy to deal with conditions. "Ideally, the work should be completed this year. All modifications will be carried out in a way that connects with the upcoming exhibition unit Arctic," Vaňáč added. After the construction of the Arctic, the polar bear enclosures will serve as backups.

Last year, over 330,000 people visited the zoo, the most since 1997 when the facility began keeping records of all visitors. The number of visitors in 2018 surpassed even 2008, when nearly 327,000 people visited the zoo primarily due to polar bear cubs.