Zlín Zoo | Zlin

Information

Landmark: Zlín Zoo
City: Zlin
Country: Czech Republic
Continent: Europe

Zlín Zoo, Zlin, Czech Republic, Europe

Overview

Zlín Zoo, one of the Czech Republic’s oldest and most celebrated wildlife parks, sits high on the leafy Sady Zoo hill at the edge of Zlín in the Zlín Region.People know it best for its vast array of animals, its dedication to conservation, and its carefully tended, lifelike enclosures where you might hear leaves rustle as a lemur leaps overhead.The zoo sits at Lešná 251 in Zlín, in the Czech Republic’s Zlín Region-about 300 kilometers east of Prague and just 80 from Brno-and was founded in 1948 by František Císař, a devoted naturalist who once carried notebooks filled with sketches of the animals he loved.At first, there were only a few animals and modest pens-just wooden fences and straw on the ground.Over the years, it became one of the best-known zoos in the Czech Republic, adding new enclosures and sleek glass viewing areas as it expanded and modernized.The zoo is now a member of the Czech Association of Zoos and an officially recognized participant in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).It grew considerably in the 1990s and 2000s, adding fresh animal exhibits, hands-on educational programs, and upgraded enclosures.One standout is the African Savannah, where giraffes stretch their necks toward leafy branches while zebras and antelope roam the sunlit grass.The exhibit mirrors the wide, windy sweep of the African plains, while the Asian Animals section bursts with life-tigers pacing, pandas nibbling bamboo, and elephants swaying in the shade.The Asian Forest draws visitors into the vibrant world of Southeast Asia’s wildlife, alive with color and sound.Step inside the Tropical House and you’ll feel the warm, humid air wrap around you, where monkeys swing overhead, bright parrots chatter, and sleek reptiles bask under dappled light.It recreates the lush jungles and misty wetlands of the tropics.Zlín Zoo is famous for its vivid flocks of flamingos, chattering macaws, and bright parrots, scattered through aviaries alive with sound.“Elephant Valley” showcases one of the zoo’s stars-the elephants.Elephant Valley offers a wide, natural space where the elephants can wander, splash in cool pools, and mingle with one another.Nearby, the big cat area houses roomy enclosures for lions, leopards, and swift, lean cheetahs.The enclosures give the cats room to roam, with rocks and trees that echo their wild habitats.In the Reptile House, Zlín Zoo showcases an impressive array of reptiles and amphibians.You’ll find snakes, lizards, frogs, and a mix of turtles and crocodiles, their shells catching the light.In the Aquarium, bright freshwater fish dart past coral while sleek saltwater species drift in the deeper tanks.You can wander past shimmering tropical fish, vibrant aquatic plants, and delicate coral reef creatures, then let the kids burn off energy in a special playground filled with life-size animal models, hands-on exhibits, and games that sneak in a little learning.Beyond the animals, Zlín Zoo’s botanical garden bursts with native blooms alongside exotic plants from far-off places.Bright leaves and bursts of color from the flowers give the zoo a welcoming feel, while offering curious visitors a closer look at plant life.Zlín Zoo also takes conservation seriously, playing a key role in breeding endangered species.Zlín Zoo partners with conservation groups around the world and plays an active role in the European Endangered Species Programme, successfully breeding rare animals like Siberian tigers, Asian elephants, and pandas; it also restores habitats and protects threatened species, while offering engaging educational programs for children and adults-imagine a kid peering wide-eyed at a tiger cub while learning how to save its wild cousins.You’ll find guided tours, lively talks, and hands-on workshops that spark curiosity about wildlife conservation, protecting the environment, and why biodiversity matters.In summer, kids can join camps where they meet animals up close and discover how zoos help save endangered species.The zoo’s open all year, though winter hours may shift.Before you go, it’s best to check the official website or call ahead for the latest hours, especially around holidays or special events.In summer, the gates usually open at 8:00 AM and close around 7:00 PM; in winter, expect shorter days, roughly 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.Admission runs about CZK 200–250 for adults and CZK 120–150 for kids aged 3 to 15, with family passes and discounts for seniors and students.The zoo is wheelchair-accessible, though some steep, winding paths can be tricky to manage.The zoo’s added ramps and smooth pathways so visitors can reach almost every corner, from the lion enclosure to the picnic lawn.Guided tours run in Czech, and sometimes you can catch one in English.These tours dive into the zoo’s story-sharing the calls of the macaws, the work behind saving endangered species, and the rich history that shaped it.It’s best to book group tours ahead of time.The zoo offers restaurants, cozy cafés, and shaded picnic spots where you can linger over a sandwich or sip a hot coffee before exploring more exhibits.You’ll also find gift shops filled with zoo-themed souvenirs and educational books.Just a short walk away, Lešná Castle-an elegant neo-Renaissance landmark-stands with its pale stone walls and intricate carvings.It’s home to a museum and an art gallery, a perfect stop after the zoo-then head to Zlín’s city center, famous for its sleek modernist lines from the Tomáš Baťa era, when the smell of fresh leather drifted from the Bata Shoe Company’s workshops.Don’t miss the Baťa Skyscraper or the Baťa Footwear Museum, both brimming with history and charm.Stroll through Zlín’s Botanical Garden, where orchids bloom beside rare ferns.And for families or animal lovers, Zlín Zoo offers a fascinating mix of wildlife from every continent, a century of stories, and a deep dedication to conservation.With its mix of fascinating exhibits, hands-on programs, and gardens trimmed as neatly as a postcard, it’s no wonder this is one of the Zlín Region’s top attractions.Whether you’re drawn to rare wildlife, lush greenery, or simply a carefree day outdoors, Zlín Zoo offers moments that delight visitors of every age.