He was looking for property to set up a place for his animal breeding operations a hobby that started with rare breeds of cattle, he says.

WSJ: The Man With a Million Acres

The list can seem endless because the governments in this region are on aggressive privatization plans, which include health spas, pottery manufacturers and, in Poland, even an animal-breeding station.

WSJ: For Sale: Eastern Europe | WSJ.Money Summer 2013

"The animals here are all here because we're helping them survive as a species, " Mr. Lukas said, referring to the plantation's extensive breeding and animal-rehabilitation programs.

WSJ: Hard Times Force Famed Southern Refuge's Sale

Surfilter Network, which sells Internet security products, rose 5%, and Xinjiang Tianshan Animal Husbandry Bio-Engineering, a supplier of cattle breeding materials, soared 18%.

FORBES: Lujiazui Breakfast: News And Views About China Stocks -- April 26

Since extremists first targeted small animal-breeders, in 1997, they have closed down four outfits, breeding dogs, cats, monkeys and rabbits.

ECONOMIST: Animal rights extremists

However, some animal welfare organisations, including Advocate for Animals, have "strongly criticised" the zoo's plans to start breeding in captivity.

BBC: Exotic chimpanzee enclosure opens