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Zlín Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Zlín Zoo, frequently referred to as Lešná Zoo, is one of Moravia's most visited attractions, unique for its seamless combination of a zoological park and a historic estate. Opened in 1948, the zoo is conceptually divided by continents, allowing guests to journey through Africa, Asia, America, and Australia in a single outing. At its heart lies Lešná Castle, an impressive 19th-century historicist building surrounded by an extensive English-style landscape park. Modern highlights include the Yucatan Hall, which replicates Central American rainforests, and the Stingray Bay, where visitors have the rare opportunity to touch and feed the rays. The zoo is praised for its spacious, barrier-free enclosures and its successful programs for breeding rare bird species and African elephants. This blend of natural beauty, architectural history, and contemporary zoological design provides a distinctive educational experience for all visitors.

Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: Plameňáci a vodní ptactvo · Zámek Lešná · Zámecká terária
Nearby: Zlín (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-2	2	8	13	17	20	19	14	8	4	-2
Rain mm	45	40	43	43	79	82	82	72	69	54	45	45

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Spring and autumn are best with mild weather for extended walks. Summer is warmer, but the walk-through aviaries and stingray pool provide a refreshing experience.

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Best time of day

Morning is convenient for seeing birds active in the walk-through aviaries. Late afternoon often finds stingrays ready for feeding and easy to observe.

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Etiquette

Stay calm and do not feed birds in the walk-through aviaries. Touch stingrays only under staff guidance and wash hands afterwards.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the continent-themed areas. Binoculars help with birdwatching in the aviaries.

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Getting there

The zoo is located near Lešná Castle and is reachable by bus or car from Zlín. Parking is available but can be crowded on weekends.

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What to expect

Allow plenty of time to explore the continental areas at a relaxed pace. The walk-through aviaries and stingray pool are popular, so expect possible queues.

Geography

Coordinates

49.27300, 17.71700

Facts

1948 was the year Zlín Zoo officially opened to the public.
52 hectares is the total size of the zoo and its surrounding park.
1887-1894 was the period when Lešná Castle was constructed.
1,300 animals from over 200 species live at the zoo.
2014 was the year the popular Stingray Bay attraction was opened.
4 continents are represented as distinct thematic areas.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Zlín7 km · SWExplore →

Hostýn Hills12 km · NExplore →

Holešov12 km · NWExplore →

Continental Barum Tire Plant15 km · SWExplore →

Luhačovice19 km · SExplore →

Vsetín22 km · EExplore →

Kroměříž24 km · WExplore →

Valašské Klobouky26 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Zlín Zoo (9)

Plameňáci a vodní ptactvo

Flamingos and waterfowl live in a pond area within the zoo. Visitors watch them from the shore.

Zámek Lešná🏰 castle

Lešná Castle is located in Štípa, part of Zlín, on the zoo grounds. It houses historic rooms.

🌐 zoozlin.eu♿

Zámecká terária

Terrariums in the castle area display reptiles and amphibians. They are part of the zoo.

Zátoka rejnoků

A shallow pool with stingrays. Visitors can sometimes touch the animals.

ZOO Zlín - Lešná

Czech zoo focusing on African fauna. It is situated next to Lešná Castle.

🌐 zoozlin.eu♿

Kaple Kristova vzkříšení

A chapel in the Czech Republic, dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ. It stands on zoo grounds.

Narození Panny Marie

Church building in Štípa, Czech Republic. It is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

sv. Mikuláš

Church in the Zlín District of the Zlín region. It is consecrated to Saint Nicholas.

PP Bezedník

Protected area in the Czech Republic. It includes a pond and wetlands.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is Zlín Zoo organized?

The zoo is divided by continents (Africa, Asia, America, Australia).

What is Lešná Castle?

A fairytale chateau located directly on the zoo grounds that can be visited.

Can you pet stingrays at Zlín Zoo?

Yes, in the Bay of Rays, visitors can feed and gently touch the animals.

Are there parking lots on site?

Yes, there are several large parking lots directly in front of the zoo entrances.

Is the zoo recommended in winter?

Yes, many modern pavilions are heated, and entry is cheaper in winter.

Zlín Zoo: where is it located?

Zlín Zoo is located in Czech Republic.

Zlín Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Plameňáci a vodní ptactvo, Zámek Lešná, Zámecká terária.

Zlín Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Zlín Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

Zlín Zoo, frequently referred to as Lešná Zoo, is one of Moravia's most visited attractions, unique for its seamless combination of a zoological park and a historic estate.

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