Trip Tip - Zoo Lešná Zlín - Unique and Amazing ❤️

Today I have a trip tip for you — one we came back from absolutely thrilled. ✨

We went as a whole family to Zoo Lešná in Zlín. 🐘

The Journey and Parking

We drove from Jihlava along the motorway and luckily hit no traffic at all. It’s roughly 180 km and the drive flew by — we were there in about two hours.

We parked on the far side of the zoo, at car park P5, which is free and has a gate right into the grounds. We were surprised to find covered parking with a roof entirely covered in solar panels. 🅿️

Tickets, Map and the Little Train

Because we went in the morning on a weekday, there wasn’t much of a queue at the entrance. We bought our tickets and picked up a zoo map at the ticket desk so we wouldn’t get lost. Since some of our seniors were with us, we also got them two tickets for the little train that runs around the park.

A Huge Zoo Full of Greenery

The zoo is truly enormous! Walking through it took us about four hours. It’s beautiful, lush with greenery, and what I loved most is that there are so many spots where you can actually step inside the enclosures and be right among the animals. 🌳

Vultures and Birds — Right Within Reach

Our first stop was the walk-through vulture and bird enclosure. We had them literally within arm’s reach, and one even let itself be stroked.

Much of the zoo is pleasantly shaded by trees, which we were very grateful for on such a warm day. We strolled along slowly — I was taking photos the whole time — and we made sure to build in regular rest breaks for our seniors.

Zoo entrance, the African section and the walk-through vulture aviary

Giraffes Almost Within Reach

When we moved on to the giraffes, we again had them almost within arm’s reach. 🦒

Giraffes at Zoo Lešná

The Elephants and Their Care

A longer walk took us to the elephants. That stretch was unfortunately in full sun, but we were well prepared — caps, sunscreen, and plenty of water in our backpacks. Staff were planting flowers and other plants nearby, which showed how much care and ongoing effort goes into the zoo.

We got really close to the elephants and watched one throwing wet mud over itself to cool down in the heat.

The walk to the elephants and the elephant enclosure

The Little Train and the U Koaly Restaurant

By the time we reached the elephants, our seniors were worn out, so part of the group hopped on the little train. It took us right to a restaurant called U Koaly, where we stopped for a break and waited for the rest of our walking party. Some even had a hot meal. There was something for everyone — the menu was really extensive. 🍛

There are also plenty of food stalls dotted around the zoo (including ice cream stands).

Our Home-Made Snack

The others had brought their own snacks. Same as me. As is our habit, we’d packed homemade toasted sandwiches with ham, cheese and ketchup. We make them on the healthier side — wholegrain toast, good-quality ham and ketchup without added sugar or salt. We always drink plain water alongside, which really hit the spot in the heat. 🥪

The little train and lunch at the U Koaly restaurant

Amazonia — Like a Real Rainforest

After our break we continued through the Amazonia section. This part of the zoo is stunning — beautifully lush and green, and you really do feel as though you’re deep in a real rainforest. 🌿

The Enormous Parrot Aviary

We made it to the enormous parrot aviary. 🦜

What a sight! They were flying right over our heads. We even spotted a rare hyacinth macaw, which for me personally was a jaw-dropping, utterly wonderful moment.

Amazonia and the macaw aviary

Lešná Château and the Flowering Garden

We then rode the little train a short stretch and got off at the beautiful Lešná château near Zlín. It’s truly lovely there — roses in bloom all around and magnificent tulip trees.

Lešná château and the blooming château park

Stingrays — The Most Unique Experience

We grabbed drinks there and then headed off to something truly one-of-a-kind that this zoo offers: the chance to pet stingrays!

You can even buy food and feed them from your hand. Before touching them you have to wash your hands thoroughly, of course. They seem quite used to being stroked and actually swim over and seem to peek out of the water looking for it. 🙂

It was an indescribable and wonderful experience!