Zlín-Lešná Zoo

Zlín-Lešná Zoo is one of the largest and most visited tourist attractions in the Czech Republic, located roughly 10 km from the centre of Zlín, right next to the historic Lešná Chateau. Spread across 48 hectares, the zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from over two hundred species, making it one of the richest zoological gardens in the Moravia region.

How old is the zoo at Lešná?

The story of this site goes back to the early 19th century – the grounds around the chateau began to be developed as a park as early as 1804–1805. The real transformation into a modern zoological garden, however, took place at the start of the 1990s, when the entire area was reorganised by continent and outdated enclosures were replaced with spacious, naturalistic habitats. That overhaul paid off: in 2011, Zlín Zoo became the second most-visited zoo in the country, and in the following years it has consistently ranked among the top tourist destinations in the Czech Republic.

What animals can visitors see?

The zoo is laid out by continent – Africa, Asia, Australia and America – so a walk through the grounds feels like a journey around the world. The African pavilions house elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras and ostriches, while the Asian section presents forest-dwelling species native to that continent, and the American area introduces rare animals from South America. A separate highlight is the Ethiopia complex, home to baboons, hyraxes, cranes, storks and hamerkops – birds rarely seen in European zoos.

What else is there besides animal enclosures?

One of the biggest draws for visitors is the Yucatan Tropical Hall, where guests can experience the atmosphere of a real tropical forest, cross a suspension bridge, and learn about traces of the ancient Maya civilisation. It's an exhibit that blends education with entertainment, particularly popular with families. Right next to the zoo stands the historic Lešná Chateau, surrounded by picturesque gardens and walking paths – it's worth pairing a zoo visit with a walk through the chateau grounds, since the two form a single connected complex.

Who is this destination suited for?

Zlín-Lešná Zoo is a broadly appealing attraction – its large grounds, diverse animal exhibits and additional themed attractions make it a great choice both for a full-day family outing and for nature lovers or photographers. The proximity of Lešná Chateau also allows visitors to combine the trip with a historical and cultural element, making it a strong addition to any itinerary in the Zlín region.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the zoo from the centre of Zlín? The zoo is located about 10 km from the city centre, directly next to Lešná Chateau.

How many animals can be seen at Zlín Zoo? The zoo is home to more than a thousand animals belonging to over two hundred species, displayed in exhibits organised by continent.

Are there other attractions near the zoo? Yes, the historic Lešná Chateau with its gardens and walking paths sits right next to it, and the zoo grounds also include the Yucatan Tropical Hall with its suspension bridge.

Is it a popular tourist destination? Zlín Zoo is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Czech Republic – in 2011 it was the second most popular zoo in the country.