ZOO Zlín
Do you know which attraction in Moravia is among the most visited? It is ZOO Zlín, sometimes also referred to as ZOO Lešná due to the Zámek Lešná of the same name, which is part of the garden. It is visited by more than 600,000 people annually. It is located about 10 kilometres from Zlín.
The original garden was founded by Tomáš Baťa as early as 1930 and has undergone several renovations and expansions in the following years. At present, it keeps over 200 species of animals. ZOO Zlín is the only one in the Czech Republic that can boast the breeding of the kiwi bird. A botanical garden is also part of the premises. Visitors also have the opportunity to enter the emu ostrich and kangaroo exhibit directly.
ZOO Zlín is divided into several sections according to continents. In the section called Afrika, very popular animals dominate, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, or lions. The Etiopie exhibit, with its typical African village and smaller African animals such as storks, cranes, baboons, or meerkats, is also part of it. The ingenious design down to the smallest detail will give visitors the feeling of having been truly transported to Africa.
Another represented continent is Asia. Here, visitors may encounter the Hala - Bala exhibit, named after the reserves in southern Thailand. Malayan tapirs or gibbons, as well as pelicans or geese, can be found here. In other enclosures of the Asian section, visitors will see pandas, tigers, bears, or gaurs. The Mu - Shin garden, which is the largest Japanese garden in the Czech Republic, or a Buddhist corner with a statue of Buddha and other artefacts, is also part of the exhibit.
In the Austrálie section, the aforementioned kiwi bird and several other aviaries with Australian birds can be found. There is also a walk-through kangaroo and emu exhibit called Stezka běžce Emu. ZOO Zlín is the only European zoo that also breeds New Guinea singing dogs.
And then, visitors move on to America. Interesting animal species are represented here as well. Would you like to see an anteater, colourful macaws, or capybaras? Are you interested in what a squirrel monkey, saki, or curassow looks like? This section will fulfil all your wishes and answer all your questions. A popular exhibit is also the pool with sea lions, which can be observed even underwater. Various species of cacti can be admired in the Mexiko exhibit.
ZOO Zlín is also significant in terms of nature conservation and the rescue of endangered animal species. Thanks to its activities, more than a dozen vultures bred here have been released into the wild. From contributions from visitors, the zoo also supports the protection of white rhinoceroses or white-bellied herons.
The zoological garden includes a large number of refreshments, souvenir shops, and the necessary sanitary facilities. During the visit, it is recommended not to miss Zámek Lešná from the end of the 18th century, which will certainly enchant visitors with its fairytale appearance. And once all the exhibits that ZOO Zlín offers have been explored, visitors are invited to head out for a tour of the city itself. Surely, something captivating will be found there as well.
However, not only Zlín itself, but the entire Zlínsko region is ideal for spending free time or a holiday throughout the year. It is important to find suitable accommodation near ZOO Zlín, or in the wider surroundings, and take the right group of people on the trip. Východní Morava truly offers many places worth visiting. Using our search agent, a cosy guesthouse or a comfortable hotel, a cottage in seclusion, or private accommodation can be found in the Zlínsko region. It is entirely up to you. And then, nothing stands in the way of setting off towards new adventures.
