Cuban reptiles

GIANTS FROM CUBA
There are no large mammals in Cuba. Instead, reptiles are the largest animals there: the Cuban crocodile, the Cuban boa and the Cuban ground iguana. All three have an irreplaceable role in nature and are among Cuba’s species conservation priorities. All three are also kept in Prague Zoo, which actively contributes to their conservation.

THE BEGGININGS OF BREEDING
Cuba is one of the traditional areas of interest for Czech naturalists and animal hobbyists. As far back as 1950s and 1960s, small Cuban lizards—anoles—were reproduced successfully for the first time in Czechoslovakia. However, at that time, no one was able to successfully breed Cuban boas or ground iguanas—breeding achievements did not come until 30 years later.

TURNAROUND SUCCESS
Up until the early 1990s, the Cuban ground iguanas were considered a challenging species to care for. Their average lifespan in captivity was only about 1 year and 8 months, and breeding them seemed almost impossible. However, thanks to the spacious atrium in the feline house and a carefully developed breeding methodology, Prague Zoo became the first in Europe to successfully breed them in 1993. And during the next 30 years, the number of young hatched at Prague Zoo increased to almost 250.

APPRECIATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Prague Zoo has long been one of the most successful breeders of Cuban ground iguanas and Cuban boas and has also contributed to the conservation of Cuban crocodiles. It even keeps the European studbooks for the latter two. Moreover, intensive research on Cuban reptiles has been conducted by Prague Zoo in cooperation with the Faculty of Sciences of Charles University to help in their conservation.

THE LEGEND OF THE HOUSE
Pepino was the doyen of the Prague group of Cuban ground iguanas. He moved into the house shortly after its opening in 1992 and lived here for 31 years!
• He was the first of his kind in European zoos to have offspring.
• He formed the cornerstone of the Prague and European breeding programmes.
• He became a father, grandfather and great-grandfather of many.

FACE TO FACE WITH A PREDATOR
We keep Cuban crocodiles in the off-exhibit areas at Prague Zoo. Would you still like to see them and witness their feeding? Take advantage of our experience programme!

MILESTONES IN CUBAN GROUND IGUANAS BREEDING
• 1963 – the first Cuban ground iguanas in Prague Zoo
• 1992 – establishment of the exhibit in the atrium of the feline house
• 1993 – the first reproduction in Prague Zoo (and in European zoos)
• 1996 – hatching of second generation
• 2002 – third generation of young
• 2022 – 30th anniversary of the arrival of the famous male Pepino to Prague Zoo

MILESTONES IN CUBAN BOAS BREEDING
• 1963 – the first Cuban boas in Prague Zoo
• 1991 – establishment of the exhibit in then elephant house (now Bororo Reserve)
• 1993 – the first reproduction in Prague Zoo
• 2008 – second generation of young
• 2012 – new exhibit in the feline house
• 2020 – the oldest Cuban boa in Prague Zoo turns 30 years old

CZECH: Kubánští plazi