Zlín-Lešná Zoo

Zlín-Lešná Zoo is a zoological and botanical garden in Fryšták that houses more than a thousand animals from roughly two hundred species alongside an extensive plant collection. The grounds spread across wooded hills and meadows, combining animal enclosures with themed gardens and forest trails for walking.

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 grounds take their name from nearby Lešná Castle, which now serves as a museum displaying paintings and porcelain from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the historic rooms and view hunting trophies from earlier centuries while walking through the zoo territory.

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.