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.
