Throughout its history, there were periods when the Zoo was flourishing, and periods when the Zoo deteriorated and attracted less visitors. By 1990 there was a choice to either close down the Zoo, or invest considerable funds and preserve it. It was decided to renovate the devastated garden, which served primarily as a winter habitat for animals from circuses and menageries
With the arrival of a new director Joseph Kachlík steps were taken to develop the old garden into a modern zoo, focusing on breeding primitive species and breeds of domestic animals from around the world