New attractions at the Ostrava zoo should be operational by the end of the year

Entrance building of Ostrava Zoo; source: msstavby.cz

Ostrava - Although the Evolution Pavilion and the new entrance for visitors at the Ostrava Zoo have been completed for several months, both facilities are still not operational. The reason for the delay of the Evolution Pavilion is complications related to the tender for the supplier of artificial vegetation, while the issues with the zoo entrance are related to building approvals. However, both facilities should be completed by the end of this year, said Andrea Vojkovská, spokeswoman for the magistrate, to ČTK today.
Regarding the Evolution Pavilion, which cost approximately 128 million crowns and is the most expensive structure in the zoo's history, the magistrate had to reissue the tender for the supplier of artificial vegetation. In the original tender, there was only one applicant for this contract, which is not permissible by law. The problem has ultimately been resolved. "The artificial vegetation should be completed this October, after which the zoo will move the animals," Vojkovská stated. The relocation to the new Evolution Pavilion awaits chimpanzees and Diana's monkeys. For example, colorful African pygmy hogs and several smaller animals will also find their new home there. However, before the pavilion is opened to visitors, the animals will need to acclimate for several weeks, and the pavilion will operate in a test mode before it opens to the public.
According to Vojkovská, the new entrance area to the zoo should be completely finished by the end of this year. The construction had actually received its initial approval last year. However, according to the spokeswoman, firefighters, hygienists, and representatives of the disabled had reservations during the approval process, claiming that the facility did not meet their requirements. As a result, the operationalization of the building began to experience delays.
"The magistrate therefore took over the project from the zoo and modified it to comply with all required standards. Furthermore, it later became clear that the zoo lacked funds for the interior furnishings," Vojkovská noted. According to her, these complications have also been resolved, and a supplier for the interior furnishings will soon be selected. Additionally, the city intends to announce a tender for so-called technical equipment, such as air conditioning, ticket counters, or alarm systems. "The delivery deadline is set at 12 weeks from the signing of the contract. If everything goes well, we could have it ready by the end of the year and hand over the building to the zoo for moving in," the spokeswoman added. Part of the new entrance facility will be used as an administrative building, while the other part will serve the visitors, who should find, for instance, a shop with souvenirs and memorabilia in the facility.