Insect Kitchen for Visitors and Animals at the Prague Zoo

The Prague Zoo offers insect-based delicacies not only for many animals but also for adventurous humans: According to a spokesperson, more than 20,000 visitors were expected on Saturday and Sunday for the “Insect-Eaters’ Weekend.” Food stands offered, among other things, fried maggots and roasted grasshoppers. “I’d never eaten insects before, but I liked them,” said a young zoo visitor.

Delicacies for aardvarks and meerkats

The program included guided feeding sessions. The aardvarks, which originate from sub-Saharan Africa, were particularly delighted. Zookeeper Jozef Sebín treated the mammals to special delicacies during the event weekend. Aardvarks feed primarily on insects, especially ants and termites. With their strong claws, they are good at digging in the ground. Meerkats also feed primarily on insects. These sociable animals are native to southern Africa.

Approval as Novel Foods

The Prague Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in the Czech Republic. Last year, it welcomed nearly one and a half million visitors. Several insect species are approved on the EU market in various forms as so-called novel foods, including mealworms, house crickets, and migratory locusts. A warning for people with allergies is required on the packaging, as cross-reactions with crustaceans or dust mites may occur.