The management of Zoo Brno wants to advocate for the construction of a new entrance

Brno - The management of Brno Zoo wants to push forward a planned construction of a new entrance with a parking lot and pavilion. Part of the public is concerned about noise and dust. However, according to the zoo, the project, which is expected to cost around 200 million crowns, is designed to minimize the impact on the environment and the neighboring residential development in the Kníničky district. This was stated today by the zoo's director, Martin Hovorka.
    In response to the protests from a section of the public, he stated that while the zoo will try to take their comments into account in the plan, it cannot completely abandon the construction.
    According to Hovorka, the project is essential for the development of the zoo. It includes the construction of a new parking lot for 300 cars and eight buses, which will replace the current inadequate parking lot for 20 cars. It also includes the construction of an entrance pavilion with exhibits.
    The area will be separated from the surroundings by an earthen embankment that will be planted with trees. The building is planned to have a gently sloping roof, which will be covered with grass, flowers, and shrubs. "At the request of citizens, we have separated this complex from the surrounding development. The study clearly demonstrated that changes in air quality in the area would be minimal," added the director.
    At a recent public hearing regarding the environmental impact of the construction, residents of Kníničky expressed that they are afraid of increased noise levels. Some believe that the parking lot will be small and that tourists' cars will be parked on the streets. Hovorka believes these concerns are unfounded. However, he wants to continue the discussion with opponents of the construction.
    The construction of the new entrance area will be funded by the zoo's founder, which is the city of Brno. The city will attempt to secure European grants for the project. It is not yet clear when construction work will begin. The discussion regarding this most expensive project in the history of Brno Zoo is still in its early stages.
    The zoo houses 800 animals of 200 species. The biggest attractions are polar bears, the enclosure of Arctic wolves with an Indian hut, the new Beringia exhibit featuring Kamchatka bears, the Tiger Rocks pavilion, or the Tropical Kingdom with numerous reptiles. About a quarter of a million tourists visit the zoo annually.