Zoologický koutek v Tyršově sadu • Zookoutek Brno

Indirect predecessor of Brno Zoo - a mini-zoo, was opened in Tyrš' park on Kounicova Street in 1937. Aim of the mini-zoo was foundation of a larger zoo. The first animals were: magpie, jackdaw (albino), five species of pheasants and a couple of roe deer. Soon, the mini-zoo has grown to include other animals - green monkey, eastern imperial eagle, badgers, raccoons, white fallow deer, squirrels, nutrias, guinea pigs, owls, peacocks, guinea fowls, stork, terrarium with grass snakes etc. In 1938 nearly 200 animals were in the mini-zoo. In 1941 the mini-zoo got a lioness (from Prague Zoo). However in 1941, the Protectorate Council decided that the Society have to vacate the gardens and liquidate the mini-zoo within 24 hours. The animals were transported in the harsh frost to other zoos (half of them didn't survive). Mini-zoo ended its activities from day to day. After the war the Society renewed its activities and after eight years founded today's Brno Zoo.