Gorilla Pavilion - Méfou Centre

Imagine a slice of authentic Africa in the heart of Europe. The Gorilla Pavilion – Méfou Centre (also known as the Dja Reserve) is more than just an enclosure; it is a grand interactive recreation of a Cameroonian tropical forest. Opened in September 2022 in the city of Prague, it has become the most ambitious project in the local zoo's history. This unique space transports guests from the Czech Republic straight to the Dja Biosphere Reserve, where nature is preserved in its pristine state.

Gorilla Pavilion – Méfou Centre. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The pavilion's architecture is meticulously designed: visitors journey from a typical African village with authentic school desks through dense thickets to a vast internal hall. This is home to the country's largest family of western lowland gorillas, led by the charismatic male Kisumu. Thanks to innovative multi-layered glass, you can hear the natural sounds of the animals, while the noise of the crowd remains virtually inaudible to them, ensuring the primates' comfort and peace.

In addition to the majestic gorillas, the Méfou Centre is home to other tropical inhabitants: vibrant De Brazza's monkeys, African brush-tailed porcupines, and mantled guerezas. This site is recognized by international experts as one of the best in the world for its level of immersiveness—a total immersion effect that allows everyone to feel like an explorer of the distant jungle.

To plan your visit and check specific details, you can use the official contact information for the pavilion, which is part of the capital's zoological garden.

Your journey begins with a walk through the immersive zone recreating the landscapes of Cameroon. Here, you can see not only exotic animals but also elements of everyday life: a village school and agricultural plots. Be sure to notice the 3D wall with animal models and listen to the surround sound—recordings of real African forest sounds create an incredible sense of presence.

The main highlight is observing the gorilla family. In the spacious indoor hall and the outdoor exhibition field, which mimics a forest clearing with giant fallen trees, you can spend hours watching the young gorillas play and the leader's calm demeanor. Special acoustic systems allow you to hear the animals' breathing and calls through the glass, making the contact with nature surprisingly intimate.

Don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop, which features authentic artifacts from Africa, and explore the educational displays. The exhibition includes a model of a ranger station that tells the story of the real-world struggle for biodiversity conservation. It is an excellent place for a family visit, where children can learn about the importance of protecting nature in an interactive and engaging way.

The facility is located in the picturesque Troja district, within the grounds of the Prague Zoo. The exact address for navigation is U Trojského zámku 120/3. The most convenient way to get here from the city center is by public transport: first, take the metro (Line C) to Nádraží Holešovice station, and then take a bus or tram to the Zoologická zahrada stop.

A special feature of the new pavilion is the additional entrance to the zoo opened near the Sklenářka stop, which significantly shortens the path for those heading specifically to the Méfou Centre. If you prefer a taxi, the ride from the city's central squares will take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Paid parking zones are available nearby for those traveling by car.

The path to the pavilion runs along the banks of the Vltava River, making the walk even more pleasant. It is recommended to check current routes and transport schedules on the official city portal or the zoo's website beforehand to ensure a comfortable trip.

The history of this unique facility is closely tied to dramatic events. The idea for its construction arose after the devastating flood in June 2013, which caused serious damage to the lower part of the zoo. Director Miroslav Bobek personally chose a new, safer location on higher ground, in a natural depression where the microclimate was perfect for creating an African jungle.

The project realization process was lengthy: construction only began in October 2019 after thorough environmental assessments. Work was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but this did not prevent the completion of the grand structure, designed by the ABM architectural bureau. The pavilion has become a symbol of resilience and the city's commitment to protecting rare animal species.

The grand opening took place on September 28, 2022. One of the most touching moments was the arrival of the female Duni—the daughter of the legendary gorilla Moja, who in 2004 became the first gorilla born in the Czech Republic. Thus, the pavilion is not just an exhibit, but a continuation of an important family history of Prague's primates, closely linked to international conservation projects in Cameroon.

To explore every corner of the pavilion without rushing, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Cameroonian forest, and observe the gorillas' behavior, visitors typically need 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to follow the themed route, explore the interactive displays, and relax in the "village."

However, considering that the facility is located within one of the best zoos in the world, most tourists plan a comprehensive visit. In this case, you should allow 4 to 6 hours or even a full day to walk through the entire zoo grounds, including other pavilions and recreation areas.

The pavilion is open to visitors daily as part of the general Prague Zoo schedule. Typically, the doors are open from 09:00 to 18:00, including weekends and holidays.

Please note that opening hours may change depending on the season (the zoo often stays open longer in summer and closes earlier in winter). To ensure your visit goes perfectly, we recommend checking the current schedule on the zoo's official website before your trip.

A visit to the Méfou Centre is just one part of a great adventure. The Troja district and its surrounding areas offer many interesting locations that can make your day even more fulfilling and diverse.

Below are some notable attractions located relatively nearby, ranging from entertainment centers to water parks: