Zagreb Zoo

On Saturday, the fourth of September, a traditional event „European bat night“ was held at Zagreb zoo. From 18:00 to 22:00 O'clock visitors enjoyed a rich educational and fun programme.

Throughout the zoo there were educational workshops where kids could learn how to discover bats with bat detector, what species of bats are extinct, and what the world's only flying mammals eat. Our skilled educators debunked various superstitions about these creatures, which have fascinated human kind since the dawn of time. Many kids found inspiration in bats and came dressed up as Batman, vampires, witches and similar beings. Those with the best costumes were awarded prizes, courtesy of Zagreb Zoo and publishing house Algoritam. Algoritam has recently published a story about vampires by Robert Naprta in the children’s magazine Luna.

Singer Žanamari Lalić also loved the atmosphere: „ This is the second time that I am in Zagreb zoo and the first time at night. I loved the fact that everything is set up in a way so that we can learn about bats and their importance of their conservation. Since they are active at night, like me, I asked around about the possibility of adopting a bat.“ She said ahead of the concert enjoyed by numerous kids.
Caricaturist Milan Lekić – Lex, Vladimir Šimić the magician and fire jugglers participated in the fun part of the programme.

European bat night is celebrated in more than 30 countries all over Europe that signed the agreement about the conservation of bat populations in Europe (UNEP EUROBATS). It is designed to raise awareness about the need for protection of bats. These only flying mammals are highly endangered. Of 45 species recorded in Europe some are on the verge of extinction. 35 species of bats live in Croatia and they are all protected.

PROGRAMME:
– Žanamari Lalić concert
– Vladimir Štimac the magician
– „Artifan“ fire jugglers
– the best costume competition
– meet the „witches of Maksimir“
– Caricaturist Milan Lekić Lex made caricatures of visitors for free
– „The graveyard of extinct bats“ – educational setup dedicated to vulnerability of bats
– „Not such a terrifying house“ – Education centre in an unusual setting.
– The search for bats with bet detectors ( organized groups led by an expert )
– music workshop with drums
– educational workshops where you can learn all about bats and their lifesyle
– various workshops
– creative workshops
– outdoor games
– various information booths where you can learn ybout the work of various organizations
– video presentations, posters, educational setups and many other interesting activities...