Zlin Zoo

 Usually only Sundays are our days off, but this past week we had the entire weekend for family time. We always try to spend this time outside as much as we can, especially, if the weather is good. These past months the weather was really weird. I guess the most of the planet's population felt that way. We didn't have a real spring day until week or so ago. All of a sudden, on past Saturday we woke up, and the weather was really nice. We were discussing what should we do for the day. I remember getting a recommendation for visiting a Zlin Zoo. I did a little research and it really looked nice. But, it was more than nice. It was way above my expectations. I questioned writing a post about this zoo, but I think it deserves its place in here. We left home quite late, so we couldn't stay as long as we wanted, but we definitely had a great time!
  Zlin Zoo is located on the eastern side of the country, somewhere between cities Brno and Ostrava. It is second visited zoo in Czech Republic, with more than 600,000 visits annually.
There is also the Lešná Castle which is part of the zoo. This beautiful Castle is a must visit if you go to the Zoo (entering fee is around 2 euros per person).
The entire Zoo is very well organized. There are four different parts of the Zoo that represent four continents: Africa, Asia, America and Australia. Each of these parts(or stations) gives you a little bit of sense about each continent. There is a Tropical hall with very high humidity, and different kinds of animals. Most of the animals are able to move freely in this hall.

Close to the Castle, there is The bay rays hall with specious pool where you are able to see, feed and pet Siba Oman stingrays. The pool is filled with sea water. This hall is especially interesting for kids, but even adults would enjoy such activity. 

We went through Africa, America and part of Australia. We didn't have time to visit Asia's part.

Lešná Castle... This is the star of the entire zoo. At least for me. :) It's worth going to the Zoo just to visit the castle. Maybe I say this because this is my first castle to visit. But, it really is very special. 

There is a tour around the castle where one is able to see few rooms at the ground level. They look the same as they did when they have been in use. And, everything in the rooms look like it's a few days old. Unbelievable conservation of furniture and architecture! 

The Castle, built in 1887-1894, has over 100 rooms in total, library that had 10,000 books, heating floor, chapel and billiard room. 

It is amazing to see what human hands are capable off making. One would think people from one or two centuries ago were not very talented, educated and capable off making such unique things. Machines did not exist during these times. Everything was made by hand. It is hard to believe all of this. 

I am not going to talk too much how incredible this Castle and everything inside of it was, but I will let you enjoy the photos. I hope they can give you a good sense about these master pieces of artwork. 

Front of the Castle

Side

Entrance Hall

Entrance Hall

This dog family is made from one piece of pear wood

Billiard room

Closet on the right was made in 1603. Can you believe it?

Chinese and Japanese porcelain 

Beautiful ceiling 

This chandelier weights 200 kilograms (440 lbs)

This fireplace is made by combining black marble and brass

Social lounge 

Library

Elephant leg used as stick holder

Back of the Castle

This was definitely one of the best days we had here in Czech Republic. 

If you plan to go, my advice is to plan one entire day for the Zoo. Especially if you have kids, so you don't have to rush. They have many break points with different types of refreshments and snacks. 

I hope you like this post at least a bit as I liked this place. 

Have a great Sunday!

Jelena