Asia

For over two and a half thousand years, people have traveled between Europe and Asia along a network of trade routes known as the Silk Road. Stretching 9,000 kilometers, caravans in the Middle Ages would take up to three years to complete the journey. Each expedition along this legendary route was not only a remarkable travel achievement but also an opportunity to discover the beauty of unique Asian landscapes and cultures. The Asian area of Zlín Zoo has its own version of the Silk Road.

Many places along the way invite visitors to stop and rest. A visit to the new Indian exhibit Kerala, a quiet moment near the red pandas, or a break in the shelter by the tigers will leave you with unforgettable impressions of close encounters with animals. The exotic atmosphere is enhanced by numerous authentic details—statues of the Indian god Ganesha, dragon-shaped metal gargoyles, Nepalese prayer wheels, Tibetan prayer flags, meditation corners with Buddha statues, stone pagodas, and the largest Japanese garden in the Czech Republic, named Mu-Shin.

Year of opening: 2025

Interesting facts:

• The exhibit was created through an extensive reconstruction of the former gibbon and tapir enclosure.

• Its residents, the Silvery gibbons, are a critically endangered species found only on the Indonesian island of Java. Fewer than 2,000 individuals remain in the wild.

• The large glass walls allow visitors to observe the gibbons even during the colder months.

• The surrounding area has been designed as a relaxation zone inspired by the atmosphere of Southeast Asia.

• The zone also includes an experience path for foot reflexology therapy.

• The ambiance is enhanced by Buddha statues, ethnographic artifacts, and carefully selected tropical plants.

Species kept here:

Silvery gibbon

Year of opening: 2023

Interesting facts:

• The exhibit was created by transforming the original Asian aviary and expanding the sloth bear enclosure.

• It is named after the federal state of Kerala in southern India – one of the natural jewels of the Orient.

• The structures feature authentic natural laterite, a material typical of Indian architecture.

• The spacious aviary measures 40 meters in length and 25 meters in width.

• A new resting den allows visitors to observe the sloth bears even during the winter months.

• The atmosphere is enhanced by statues of the god Ganesha, dragon-shaped gargoyles, carved wooden doors, Indian music, and the scent of incense.

Species kept here:

Sloth bear, Greater adjutant, White stork, Asian openbill, Spot-billed pelican, White-winged wood duck.

Year of opening:  2011

Interesting facts:

• The enclosure faithfully recreates the foothills of the Himalayas.

• Around 70 tons of limestone rocks were used in shaping the terrain.

• The habitat includes pine trees and two mature hornbeams.

• Red pandas are true cold-weather animals – they don’t mind frosty days or snow.

• They spend most of their time high in the hornbeam trees, both in summer and winter.

• The exhibit also features Nepalese prayer wheels, Tibetan prayer flags, meditation corners with Buddha statues, and stone pagodas, adding to the authentic Himalayan atmosphere.

Species kept here:

Red panda

Year of opening:  2001

Interesting facts:

• A spacious exhibit designed for the largest of all big cats – the Amur tiger.

• The natural environment is complemented by artificial rocks with a waterfall and a flowing stream.

• Dense vegetation creates a true sense of wilderness and provides the tigers with privacy and shade.

• Thanks to the varied terrain and vegetation, the tigers can easily disappear from sight, just like in the wild.

• The entire enclosure can be viewed from an elevated wooden lookout platform.

• The platform also includes a small adjoining exhibit for grey-bellied squirrels.

Species kept here:

Amur tiger, Grey-bellied squirrel

Year of opening: 2019

Interesting facts:

• One of the most spacious enclosures in the entire zoo.

• Home to the largest representatives of the wild cattle family – Indian gaurs.

• A group of four of these impressive giants arrived in 2019 from Mysore Zoo in India.

• This was the first direct import to Europe in 60 years from their native range.

• Only nine European zoos keep gaurs, with a total population of just 34 individuals.

• Acquiring young, unrelated animals was crucial for establishing a successful breeding program.

Species kept here:

Indian gaur