Karibuni is the most extensive project in the history of zoological gardens in the Czech Republic and one of the ten largest currently being implemented in European zoos. It is a groundbreaking vision for the direction of animal husbandry in human care. It will have no equivalent among Czech and Slovak zoos. On an area of 21 hectares, it will showcase the fauna and flora of Central and West Africa, complemented by two camps with safari tents for 200 people and a restaurant with a capacity of 300 seats.
Due to the scale and financial costs, the implementation of Karibuni is divided into several phases.
The entire first phase was dedicated to African elephants. Currently, it is one of the largest and most modern facilities for elephants in European zoos. The elephants have more than 3 hectares at their disposal, making them the centerpiece of Karibuni.
Construction period: 2018–2022
Financial costs: 185 million CZK
Funding: Zlín Zoo, the city of Zlín (zoo founder), Zlín Region
Implementation:
November 2017 – laying of the Karibuni cornerstone
2018 – start of construction of Elephant Enclosure B
2020 – ceremonial opening of Enclosure B for visitors
2021 – start of construction of the elephant breeding facility
2022 – completion of the breeding facility, transfer of elephants to the new pavilion
The first facility of its kind in the Czech Republic. It is intended for the breeding of our Katanga lions and will also help address the problem of improper breeding of these large predators in private hands. As part of the construction, we also built a new visitor route, making the entire Phase I of Karibuni accessible.
Construction period: 2024–2025
Financial costs: 90 million CZK
Funding: Zlín Zoo, the city of Zlín (zoo founder), Zlín Region, Ministry of the Environment, individuals and companies through the “Giving Lions a New Chance” project (donor bricks and certificates)
Implementation:
June 2024 – start of construction
August 2025 – completion of construction, transfer of Congo lions
6 September 2025 – ceremonial opening
Opening: 6 September 2025
The center provided a new, excellent space for our five-member group of Katanga lions and will also offer a new home for lions confiscated by the state from private owners due to unsuitable breeding conditions or illegal keeping. It is the first facility of its kind in the Czech Republic.
The center covers half a hectare and consists of an indoor exhibition with four separate enclosures, technical and operational areas, three smaller outdoor enclosures connected to the indoor exhibition, and a spacious outdoor enclosure.
The main enclosure includes two mounds with resting areas for the lions and a pond.
Two covered viewing platforms have been prepared for visitors.
One of the covered platforms at the lion enclosure features a special feeding station. Every day at 2:00 p.m., visitors can watch the lions being fed.
The area is complemented by the Mopani Bar, offering drinks and light refreshments, open from April to November each year.
The atmosphere of Africa is enhanced by metal animal sculptures, wooden masks, wooden statues, and other ethnographic elements from South Africa.
Male: Abamboo
Female: Kwale
Their three cubs, born in October 2024
Visitors can see them every day in the large enclosure. Their favorite spot is the mound, which gives them a view of the surrounding area, including the vast grassy enclosure of the African elephants.
The financing of the lion center was equally shared by four institutions – the zoo founder, the city of Zlín, the Zlín Region, the Ministry of the Environment, and Zlín Zoo. Huge thanks also go to all donors who supported the construction of the center by purchasing donor bricks or certificates, contributing a total of 3.5 million CZK. The “Giving Lions a New Chance” project (donor bricks and certificates) continues even after the opening of the center, and you can still become part of our lion story.
Opening year: 2020 – enclosure in Karibuni, 2022 – new breeding facility in Karibuni
The expansive three-hectare enclosure with a natural pond, where the elephants can cool off, and an indoor pavilion, which ranks among the three largest in the world, is home to the complete elephant herd that you can see only here.
The main Enclosure B covers 3 hectares and includes a natural pond.
The indoor stabling facility is among the three largest of its kind in the world.
On 6 June 2021, the first African elephant born in the Czech Republic was born here – a male named Zyqarri.
On 5 September 2023, our “giant” arrived from Hungary – a male named Jack, 3.3 meters tall and weighing 5.5 tons, yet surprisingly gentle in temperament.
The Karibuni project not only offers a unique elephant exhibition but will also include future accommodations in camps for 200 guests and a stylish restaurant with a capacity of 360 seats.
Females: Kali (1995), Zola (1996), Ulu (1997)
Male calf: Zyqarri (2021)
Male: Jack (1993)
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