Parking changes at the seasonal entrance

The Zlín Zoo is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Czech Republic. Although its current capacity of 1,800 parking spaces is among the largest of Czech zoos, growing visitor numbers and planned investments require adjustments to the parking system.

According to Michal Čížek, the deputy to the zoo's trustee, the Statutory City of Zlín, the project itself combines sustainability with practical benefits. "Installation of the solar panels above the parking lot will generate  clean energy while also providing shaded parking for visitors during hot summers," he said.

Since the beginning of the year, the parking lot P5 has been partially closed to allow the construction of the solar system. During this period, visitors can use nearby free parking lot, P6, 

Since the beginning of the year, parking lot P5 has been partially closed to allow construction of the solar installation. During this period, visitors can use nearby P6, the main entrance parking area P1, and other parking spaces around the zoo. For weekdays, buses transporting school groups are temporarily redirected to a nearby parking area at the Podhoran Lukov agricultural cooperative.

The covered parking and solar installation will slightly reduce the number of spaces, so the zoo is also planning to expand capacity with two new modern parking areas, P7 and P8 near the seasonal entrance. These will also include stellplatz spaces for motorhomes and caravans, a form of visitor infrastructure that is increasingly in demand.

“Photovoltaics are another step in our long-term strategy for a more sustainable and energy-independent zoo,” said Zoo Zlín Director Roman Horský. However, the project has been delayed by repeated objections during the building permit process, which has been ongoing since 2024. If necessary, the final decision may have to be made by a court.