Mission of zoos
Progress cannot be stopped, but its development should not be at the expense of the natural heritage. As a result of human activity, new, previously inaccessible parts of the natural environment are being explored. Most of the newly described species will immediately go on the list of endangered species. The main mission of zoos is to preserve biological diversity for the full development of future generations.
Our mission
Our goal is to provide additional funding to support the breeding of selected species. In zoos, we organize the sale of commemorative coins – medals, through automated vending machines. The commemorative medal is a sought-after souvenir of artistic value. By purchasing it, you will not only get a keepsake of the experience, but it is also a form of financial support for zoos and their activities.
Copyright works
Cullinan commemorative medals are made of Nordic Gold coin material.
The minting is provided by the Czech Mint Jablonec nad Nisou with dimensions of 30/3 mm and a weight of 14 g.
Graphic designs are provided by Majka Wichnerová, MFA, and Vladimír Oppl, MFA.
The Nordic Gold material is a special copper alloy with a smaller amount of zinc, aluminium and tin with the designation CuAl5Zn5Sn1 (the exact composition is 89% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminium and 1% tin). This alloy was specially developed for the Swedish Mint in the 1980s and is still used in the production of the Swedish 10-krona coin. It is also from the Swedish roots that the name Nordic Gold originates. Still, this alloy does not actually contain any precious metal.
Due to its excellent properties, this alloy was also chosen as a coin metal for 10-, 20- and 50-euro cent coins. The alloy has been developed with many properties that make it suitable for use in coin production. It has a beautiful golden colour, is sufficiently resistant to oxidation and discoloration and at the same time is easy to process during coin minting. Due to its copper content, this alloy also has an antiseptic effect, which is important for coins passing through hundreds of hands a day. And last but not least, it does not cause allergic reactions, unlike some other coin metals.
Behind every Cullinan commemorative medal are the personalities of Majka Wichnerová, MFA, and Vladimír Oppl, MFA. Both of them have a distinctive style of artistic concept. The artists first draw designs for a commemorative medal. An approved design is then used to create a traditional technical plaster model. This technique is used mainly by artists mastering engraving procedures. It is necessary to keep the depth of the future relief, which, in addition to that, needs to be a mirror image. The plaster cast with the usual diameter of 20 cm is then processed into a digital 3D form using a laser scanner. This procedure is unique and cannot be performed with another procedure. Thanks to this technology, all Cullinan commemorative coins are minted in 3D.
