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

Gibonika is the result of an extensive reconstruction of the original space, which was originally intended for gibbons and tapirs. The exhibit is now dedicated exclusively to silvery gibbons, and thanks to large glass walls, it allows visitors to admire these fascinating primates even during the colder months of the year. Visitors can get remarkably close to the gibbon family.

The surroundings of the exhibit have been newly enhanced with a relaxation zone that transports visitors to exotic Southeast Asia. This area includes an experience path for foot reflexology, Buddha statues, ethnographic objects, and artistic elements from Asian cultures, all complemented by carefully selected plantings. Gibonika thus offers not only the experience of being near unique animals but also an atmosphere that evokes the feeling of being in the heart of Asia.

Year of opening: 2023

This exhibit was created by transforming the original Asian aviary and expanding the sloth bear enclosure. It is named after a federal state in southern India, known as one of the natural gems of both India and the entire Orient.

We’ve provided exceptional living conditions and generous space for the animals. In the large aviary—measuring 40 meters in length and 25 meters in width—you’ll find various wetland bird species native to Asia, including the rarely kept greater adjutants, white storks, Asian openbills, spot-billed pelicans, and white-winged wood ducks. A new resting den has also been built for the sloth bears, connected to their existing enclosure, allowing visitors to observe them even during the winter months.

What truly sets this exhibit apart is its overall design concept. We want visitors to feel as if they’ve stepped into an Indian temple and are observing the local wildlife up close. Statues of the god Ganesha, dragon-shaped gargoyles, intricately carved wooden doors, natural laterite cladding, Indian music, and the scent of incense all help create an authentic and immersive experience.

Year of opening:  2011

Truly a counterpart of the alpine environment that red pandas range in the wild, i.e. the foothills of the Himalayas, this exhibit's landmark are massive limestones of which there are about 70 tonnes distributed and set around the enclosure and nearby. The rugged terrain includes pine deadfalls available for the animals with two simple wooden cavities placed on these. The objects are in use by the animals particularly in winter. In addition, the pandas can climb to the top of the mature beech-tree that is part of the enclosure.

Adding to the impressive atmosphere of the display is a very special place dedicated to Buddhism. Items to discover here include traditional prayer wheels, Tibetan prayer flags and a meditation corner with a statue of Buddha. The life of the animals is explained through large size Asian-style signage, while other educational elements offer information about Buddhism and the mentioned artifacts originating from Tibet.

Year of opening:  2001

This spacious natural display presents the largest feline world in its standard habitat. Artificial rocks with a waterfall and small stream bring about the scent of "wilderness", in addition to the dense vegetation. You know that tigers are large creatures and their hair looks very distinct, but with such diverse settings, the tiger female Tanja is very easy to miss. So being patient and carefully checking the entire site may be worthwhile. In doing so, you may even be happy to make use of the elevated wooden viewing platform.

Year of opening: 2019

In one of the most spacious enclosures in the entire zoo, Indian gaurs—the largest members of the wild cattle family—have found their refuge. We acquired a group of four of these giants in 2019 from Mysore Zoo in India. For the first time in 60 years, this species was successfully brought to Europe directly from its native homeland. Indian gaurs are kept in only nine European zoos, with a total population of just 34 individuals. Acquiring young, unrelated animals directly from India was therefore absolutely crucial for the success of the entire breeding program.