Lesní koutek Ralsko

Lesní koutek Ralsko is a small forest wildlife facility located in Hradčany, a few hundred meters from a former military airfield, within the boundaries of the old Ralsko military training area. Founded on September 1, 1994, it has served ever since as a rescue and rehabilitation station for injured and orphaned forest animals from the surrounding woods.

Where does the name "Lesní koutek" come from?

The facility was previously known under different names — locals and visitors referred to it as "ZOO koutek" or "Mini ZOO". Its current, official name better reflects the place's real character: it isn't a zoo in the traditional sense, but a care station for animals that ended up here after an accident, illness, or the loss of their parents in the forest.

How did the facility come to be?

Lesní koutek Ralsko was established through cooperation between several parties. A key role was played by Vojenské lesy a statky (Military Forests and Estates), which provided the land and organizational support to get the project off the ground, together with the newly formed municipality of Ralsko-Kuřívody, created after the army withdrew from this former training ground. It was on this former Soviet-era military area — where troops had been stationed for decades — that civilian life began to take shape again after 1991, and Lesní koutek stands as one of the symbols of that transformation.

Who runs the facility day to day?

Day-to-day operations are handled by lieutenant Radek Bill Zíka, who can be reached at the Hradčany 459 address. Running such a facility is a significant financial undertaking: roughly 60% of costs are covered by the operator's own resources, while the remaining 40% comes from donations and sponsor contributions. Among the main sponsors are the city of Ralsko, Military Forests and Estates, and the neighboring town of Mimoň. Anyone wishing to support the facility financially can do so through an account held with Česká spořitelna's Mimoň branch.

Why is it worth a stop on a trip through Ralsko?

Lesní koutek gained wider recognition as tourism in the region developed and the Information Center in Hradčany opened nearby — today both attractions sit close together and naturally complement each other on a visit. The place is popular with families traveling with children, for whom close contact with forest animals is often a first introduction to wildlife protection and responsible animal care. The facility also takes part in the "Military Forests for Schools" educational program, which organizes activities introducing children and teenagers to the lives of forest animals and the work of the people who care for them.

What should you know before visiting?

The Ralsko region, where Lesní koutek is located, was a closed military zone off-limits to civilians for decades. Today, the former training grounds are gradually opening up to hiking and cycling tourism, and places like Lesní koutek and the nearby Information Center in Hradčany help visitors understand both the region's military history and its natural surroundings.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Lesní koutek Ralsko located? In Hradčany, part of the town of Ralsko, a few hundred meters from a former military airfield, near the Information Center.

When was the facility founded? On September 1, 1994.

Who funds the facility's operations? About 60% is covered by the operator's own resources, and 40% by donors and sponsors — mainly the city of Ralsko, Military Forests and Estates, and the town of Mimoň.

Is it a zoo? Not in the traditional sense — it's a rescue and care station for injured and orphaned forest animals, although it was previously known informally as "Mini ZOO".