Kovozoo in Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště is a unique zoo built from scrap metal, located in a former sugar factory dating back to 1867. Established in 2012 within the REC Group recycling complex, it combines entertainment and education by showcasing creative sculptures made entirely from recycled metal waste.
In Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště, you’ll find a unique zoo. What makes it special? Imagine creating from seemingly useless scrap metal waste. The aim is to show all visitors what amazing things can be made, combining your visit with both education and entertainment. Kovozoo Staré Město was established on 21 April 2012 and is located in the unconventional setting of a reconstructed former sugar factory complex.
The premises where today’s Kovozoo is located originally served a different purpose. In 1867, a sugar factory was established here, which operated for a full 130 years. In 1998, a new chapter began for the complex. The first operation of KOVOSTEEL Recycling, s.r.o. was established here, with the main goals being the collection, purchase and processing of iron scrap. Over time, the complex took on a new form. The dilapidated state of the buildings completely disappeared. The Recycling Ecological Centre – REC Group was created here, where people can drop off unwanted waste. At the same time, they can stop by and view products made from recyclable waste.
REC Group is a holding company formed by companies that deal with processing various types of waste and is simultaneously an unconventional place providing entertainment, inspiration and education. You can find all of this at Kovozoo in Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště.
Home DIY enthusiasts, artistic blacksmiths, employees and directors of individual companies within the REC Group holding – these are the people behind the creation of the exhibits. This happens at a special place within the Kovozoo complex. The animals are life-sized and will surprise you with their perfection and sophistication. You can see giraffes, elephants, camel Ajša, walrus Ambrož, elk Carlos, gorilla Minerva, cheetahs, horses, rhinos, ostriches, turtles, horses and various species of fish, bison and many others.
In the complex you’ll also find dozens of other exhibits – things that have perhaps already disappeared, but society doesn’t want to forget them. You can also visit other attractions such as the Šrotík lighthouse, the Hope ship, L610 aircraft, Steelinka train, observation walkways, Kovozoo Maternity Ward, Congress Centre, Veterans Museum, Agriculture Museum and countless exhibits of industrial, firefighting and agricultural machinery.
Did you know that you can visit a rubber maze here? It’s built from nearly 2,000 tyres with a total weight of 20 tonnes and on an area of 17×17 metres you’ll experience plenty of fun that both big and small adventurers can enjoy.
Did you know that there’s a veterans museum in the inner complex? The exhibits are regularly changed so you’ll see something new with each visit. The museum contains nearly 60 exhibits.
Did you know that the activity of REC Group s.r.o. is ecological education of the public, following directly in the footsteps of Jan Amos Komenský – “School through play”.
Did you know that Kovozoo’s goal is to reach 456 pieces, which is the number of living animals in the smallest zoo in the Czech Republic.
Did you know that you can find the L-610 aircraft here, which was the first prototype developed at LET Kunovice factories on order from the Soviet Union.
