Darwin crater, Modern pavilion dedicated to Tasmanian wildlife at Prague Zoo, Czech Republic
Darwin Crater is a circular pavilion at Prague Zoo that displays Tasmanian devils, short-beaked echidnas, and other Australian wildlife species. The spaces inside replicate natural habitats where visitors can watch the animals move and interact in their designed environments.
Construction of the complex was announced on 10 July 2018, with opening planned for 28 March 2020 at the start of the main season. Coronavirus measures postponed it to 30 May 2020. It was built in the lower part of Prague Zoo on the site of the old pheasantry, between the Rákos Pavilion and the Bororo Reserve, at a cost of 78.1 million CZK excluding VAT.
The complex includes an interactive rock wall modelled on the Gulgurn Manja Shelter in Victoria, Australia, which references Aboriginal culture. The wall is part of the visitor route through the six enclosures and two aviaries, next to the Tasmanian devil and wombat exhibits.
The complex is entered through two aviaries beside the South American tapir enclosure and is laid out as a one-way route, so visitors pass the crater section and exit near the large birds-of-prey aviary. The wetland and water bird aviary is walk-through, as is the largest enclosure at the tip of the paths, home to red-necked and eastern grey kangaroos. The kangaroo enclosure covers 900 m² of the complex's 4,600 m².
The pavilion controls temperature and humidity to match Tasmania's climate conditions for proper animal care. This environmental management allows rare marsupials to thrive thousands of miles away from their native home.
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