The zoo features the 'Yucatan' exhibit, which is the only one of its kind in the Czech Republic, focusing on Central American fauna and culture.
The Lešná Chateau was completed in 1893 and features advanced original features for its time, including central heating and a modern ventilation system.
The estate's botanical collection includes a 200-year-old giant sequoia and several other tree species that are not native to Central Europe.
The zoo's breeding program is globally recognized for the successful rearing of the Eastern Bongo antelope.
The chateau's interior preserves a significant collection of Japanese and Chinese porcelain alongside carved wood paneling from various world cultures.
Zoo Zlín-Lešná combines a modern zoological garden with the historic Lešná Chateau, a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance structure. The zoo is organized into geographic zones, including the Yucatan, African, and Asian pavilions. It features walk-through aviaries and exhibits that emphasize immersive landscape design. The grounds house over 200 species, including rare rhinoceros, giraffes, and sea lions. Lešná Chateau, located within the zoo boundaries, preserves original period furniture, ceramics, and historical art collections. Visitors can access both the zoo exhibits and guided tours of the chateau's interior. The estate is set within an extensive arboretum containing rare tree species from across Europe and Asia. The zoo functions as a conservation center involved in international breeding programs for endangered species.
The elevated viewing bridge in the African zone provides a panoramic view of the giraffes against the backdrop of the chateau's spires.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the zoo is located on hilly terrain with significant elevation changes.
Combine your zoo ticket with a guided chateau tour to access areas not visible from the exterior.
Utilize the zoo's internal road train if traveling with young children to navigate the steeper inclines.
Attempting to see everything in under three hours, as the sprawling layout and topography require significant travel time between zones.
The chateau tours are closed on Mondays; the zoo remains open daily year-round.
Maintain silence inside the chateau, no flash photography permitted during indoor tours, and remain on designated paths in animal enclosures.
