Zlín-Lešná Zoo, Zoological garden in Fryšták, Czech Republic.
Zlín-Lešná Zoo covers almost 51 hectares of exhibition areas divided by continent, with more than 230 animal species and over 1,100 plant species growing among the enclosures. Its walkthrough exhibits include Gora Ark, the longest aviary in Czech zoos, home to six species of African vultures. The Karibuni African area, 24 hectares in size, is centred on a breeding facility for African elephants.
The site began in the early 19th century as a private animal collection on a country estate and was nationalized after the Second World War. It opened as a public zoo in 1948 and expanded its territory and species range over the following decades.
The zoo's name comes from Lešná Castle, built in 1887–1893 by architects Johann Mick and Viktor Siedek and rebuilt in historicist style for František Seilern in 1887–1894. Inside are late-19th-century collections of paintings, porcelain and hunting trophies. Animal labels are colour-coded by continent, and panels cover Czech travellers and indigenous cultures.
The grounds lie roughly ten kilometers outside Zlín city center and offer wheelchair-accessible paths through most areas. Guided tours run regularly and help visitors navigate the sprawling site.
The facility takes part in vulture conservation programs and has released more than two dozen endangered birds into Bulgarian reserves over the years. This collaboration helps restore wild populations in southeastern Europe.
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