In June 2024, we begun the construction of the very first rescue center for confiscated lions in the Czech Republic. Situated in Karibuni, the African safari-like part of the zoo, it begins the next chapter of the magnificent building project, significantly enlarging the area of the zoo. The center is going to occupy an area of almost 5 000 m2. In this lion habitat, the animals confiscated from the private breeders due to poor living conditions or illegal breeding are going to find the sanctuary. If everything goes acoording to the plan, we should be ready to open the center by the beginning of the peak season 2025.
The rescue center for lions is truly an extraordinary project, not only due to its concept, but also due to the way the construction is financed. The capital expenditure should reach 90 million CZK; the trustee of the Zlín Zoo, the City of Zlín, the Council of the Zlín Region and the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic are going to help us to cover the cost. The support of the ministry itself is truly meaningful to us, as for we haven’t received a grant this generous this far.
Also, we have decided to create a unique project, allowing our visitors, fans and supporters to join the cause for the very first time. Coming up with the Let’s Give Lions a New Chance project, there are several ways to support the construction of the rescue center: either purchasing a special commemorative brick or a commemorative certificate. The brick purchasers are going to have their personal, family or company names engraved in the brick itself, being built in the special commemmorative path leading up to the center, whilst the certificate purchasers are going to have their personalized certificates set at the memorial board by the sanctuary itself.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and appreciation for every kind soul, who does not stand indifferent to the abuse of the wildlife. Thank you for the support of the rescue center! Coming all together, we can build the lion sanctuary.
At the same time, by building the rescue center, we are going to make the new elephant breeding facility accessible. This large facility, the most modern in the whole of Europe, contains indoor elephant stables and two outdoor paddocks for the species.
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CONSTRUCTION PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024, the beginning of the construction work
May 2024
At the very end of 2023, heavy snowfall hastened up our plans with the former walk-through aviary on the borders of the African and Asian district of the zoo. The thankfully deserted habitat couldn’t bare the massive blizzard and partially collapsed. After the cleanup, we are going to begin the work on the fresh new exhibit. Thus far, we haven’t decided the species we would like to relocate there, but as soon as we have, you will be the first ones to know.
Nevertheless, we also have big plans with the former elephant pavilion. Currently, it provides sanctuary of our Malayan tapirs, patiently waiting for their new habitat in the Hala-Bala exhibit to be finished. As soon as they are back home, we are going to start the works of the metamorphosis itself. In the future, we would love to provide home to the endangered endemic artiodactyl mammals, Okapi, the forest giraffes.
