Zlín Zoo Is the Only Non-Asian Zoo to Regularly Breed Spotted Wood Owls

Spotted wood owls first arrived at Zlín Zoo in 2017, and since then, the zoo has successfully bred 13 chicks. This makes Zlín Zoo one of the most successful breeders of this small Southeast Asian owl species in the world. In August 2017, Zlín Zoo acquired four spotted wood owls from its partner institution, Taman Safari in Indonesia. The first chick hatched a year later, and successful breeding has continued ever since.

In 2024, two breeding pairs participated in reproduction, including individuals that were born and raised directly at Zlín Zoo. The eggs were left with the parents during incubation, as the zoo prioritizes natural rearing. In February, two chicks hatched, and both pairs began caring for them. Nesting and subsequent care proceeded successfully. The zoo currently keeps a total of 12 individuals, making it the largest group of spotted wood owls outside of Asia.

This breeding success once again confirms Zlín Zoo’s international reputation in avian conservation. The achievement is a result of the excellent work of the entire team of zoologists and keepers.