Visit Zlín Zoo in Winter – You’ll Be Charmed

Zlín Zoo has its own unique charm even in winter. It is full of life and definitely worth a visit. Come and see for yourself – we look forward to welcoming you!

There is no need to worry that cold weather or snowfall will keep exotic animals out of sight. Lions, elephants, jaguars, giraffes, kangaroos and rhinoceroses regularly venture into their outdoor enclosures even in winter. Almost summery temperatures await visitors at the popular Ray Bay and in the tropical Yucatan Hall, while the Tyrol, Neapolitáno and Chocolatérie restaurants will take care of refreshments.

Winter is an ideal time for observing animals, as many species truly enjoy colder weather and snow. This applies not only to natural cold-weather lovers such as Amur tigers, red pandas, geladas, kea parrots, camels or vicuñas, but also to warmth-loving animals including elephants, jaguars, lions, sloth bears and antelopes.
“In the jaguar enclosure, besides the male Akaba and the female Yuna, visitors can also see the six-month-old female Mayara. She treats freshly fallen snow as a great challenge and wonderful fun, and her incredible skills can make absolutely anyone laugh. Recently, she completely surprised us by rolling a snowball all by herself. I also recommend visiting the new lion centre – watching three one-year-old lion cubs enjoying a snow-covered enclosure is truly an extraordinary experience,” said Romana Mikešová, Head of Marketing, with a smile, inviting visitors to a winter visit.

Humboldt penguins also cope very well with cold weather. Their feathers and a layer of subcutaneous fat provide perfect insulation, so visitors can see them daily not only in their exhibit but also in the pool during feeding times at 10:00 and 15:00.
“This is the period when penguins are nesting, so keepers have lined their nesting burrows with straw to ensure thermal comfort. Due to low temperatures, some straw has also been spread throughout the exhibit, and an infrared heater has been installed, where the penguins like to gather,” explained Romana Mikešová. Additional infrared heaters have been placed, for example, at the African zebu enclosure in Ethiopia and near the capybaras and tapirs in the South American area of the zoo.

Pleasant temperatures are also offered by the large indoor pavilions. “During feeding and petting sessions at Ray Bay, visitors are happy to take off their winter clothing. The cold is quickly forgotten in the tropical Yucatan Hall or in the giraffe pavilion as well. A winter visit can also be combined with a special tour of the new elephant pavilion in Karibuni on Sunday, 18 January – simply fill in and submit the application in the zoo’s e-shop. At the end of January, I would also like to invite all primary and secondary school students to our popular event: from Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February, they will receive admission for a symbolic 1 CZK upon presenting their mid-year school report,” added Romana Mikešová.

Zlín Zoo is open in January and February from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Tyrol restaurant offers refreshments and hot meals daily, while Neapolitáno and Chocolatérie are also open on weekends. Visitors can enjoy reduced winter admission prices: adults pay CZK 120, children aged 3 to 13 CZK 80, and seniors CZK 100.
“Whether you come for a short visit or spend the whole day here, you can look forward to pleasant experiences combined with a beautiful winter walk. And if you add good food and perhaps a cup of hot chocolate, I believe you will spend a truly lovely day with us and recharge your energy,” concluded Romana Mikešová.