In the past, the Zoo’s were founded as animal menageries, where wild and exotic animals were exhibited to amuse the public.  

Little was known about the animals‘ needs, which often died young and without any breeding. Today’s Zoological Gardens, however, play an important role in the field of conservation, research, education and recreation. Dvur Králové nad Labem Zoo is a member of the Czech and Slovak Union of Zoological Gardens (UCSZ), founded in 1990, with 15 Czech and 4 Slovak member Zoos. The Zoo’s international significance is also increasing. Since 1995, it is member of European Association of Zoological Gardens and Aquaria (EAZA), which also takes care of the European Endagered Species Programmes (EEP). Since 1997, Dvur Králové Zoo is also member of the World Zoo Organisation (WZO-known also as IUDZG), which includes around 150 of the most important World Zoo’s.