1. Wrocław Zoo - Pearl among Polish zoos.

The Wrocław Zoo, located at 1-5 Zygmunta Wróblewskiego Street, is a true paradise for animal lovers and one of the most modern zoos in Europe. Occupying an impressive 33 hectares, the Wroclaw Zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals representing some 1,100 species.

How to get there: The zoo is well connected to the city center. It can be reached by streetcar lines 1, 2, 4 and 10 or buses 145 and 146. For motorists, a spacious parking lot at the main entrance is available.

Opening hours: The zoo is open daily, all year round. In the summer season (April-October) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and in the winter season (November-March) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is worth checking the exact hours on the official website, as they may change depending on the season.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 70 zloty
• Concessionary: 50 PLN
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Afrykarium - a globally unique oceanic journey through the Black Continent
• Odrarium - an exhibition presenting the fauna and flora of the Oder River
• Madagascar Pavilion - with a unique collection of lemurs
• Gibbon Islands - where you can observe these fascinating monkeys in near-natural conditions

Wroclaw Zoo is famous for its modern enclosures and pavilions, which provide the animals with conditions as close to their natural environment as possible. Note the impressive collection of big cats, including rare Sumatran tigers or Angolan lions.

There are many educational attractions for families with children, such as the 'Mini Zoo', where the little ones can get to know gentle farm animals up close. During the summer season, children can cool off in the water playground.

It's worth planning an all-day stay at the Wroclaw Zoo - there are many food and beverage outlets on the grounds of the garden, where you can rest and eat. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and headgear on sunny days!

2nd Warsaw Zoo - History and modernity in the heart of the capital.

The Antonina and Jan Żabiński Municipal Zoological Garden in Warsaw, located at 1/3 Ratuszowa Street, is not only one of the largest zoos in Poland, but also a place with a remarkable history. Founded in 1928, it survived the difficult times of World War II, becoming a symbol of courage and humanitarianism thanks to the activities of Jan and Antonina Żabiński, who hid Jews on the grounds of the garden.

How to get there: The zoo is well connected to the rest of the city. You can get here by streetcar (lines 1, 4, 6) or bus (lines 127, 227, 500). Parking is available for drivers at the main entrance.

Opening hours: The zoo is open daily, all year round. In the summer season (March-October) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and in the winter season (November-February) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 40 zlotys
• Concessionary: 30 zlotys
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Reptile and Amphibian Pavilion - a modern herpetological exhibition
• Birdhouse - a rich collection of exotic birds
• Hippopotamus enclosure - with an underwater viewing area
• Giraffe House - where you can admire these majestic animals up close

Warsaw Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals representing about 500 species. Especially noteworthy are rare species such as red pandas and lowland gorillas.

There are special attractions for families with children, including a 'Mini Zoo' and numerous playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds. There are also animal feeding demonstrations and educational lectures during the summer season.

The zoo has a number of food outlets and picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal. It is advisable to plan at least 4-5 hours for a visit to fully enjoy all the attractions.

3. Gdansk Zoological Garden - An exotic adventure by the sea

Gdansk Zoological Garden, located at 3 Karwinska Street, is a unique place on the map of Polish zoos. Situated on the picturesque forested moraine hills of the Tri-City Landscape Park, it offers not only encounters with exotic animals, but also unforgettable views and contact with nature.

How to get there: The zoo is easiest to reach by car - it is located in the Oliwa district. For those using public transportation, the nearest bus stop is 'Spacerowa' (lines 169, 179, 227).

Opening hours: The zoo is open daily, all year round. In the summer season (April-September) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and in the winter season (October-March) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 35 zloty
• Concessionary: 20 zlotys
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Lionry - a modern enclosure for African lions
• Great Apes Pavilion - home to chimpanzees and orangutans
• Mini Zoo - where children can pet and feed the gentle animals
• Giraffe house - with an observation deck at the level of the giraffes' heads

Gdansk Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing about 200 species. Especially noteworthy is the collection of felines, including rare Siberian tigers and snow leopards.

There are many attractions for families with children, including playgrounds and nature trails. During the summer season, night tours of the zoo are organized, which are very popular.

There are several food and beverage outlets and picnic areas on the garden grounds. Due to the hilly terrain, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and plan at least 3-4 hours for the tour.

Each of these zoos offers unique experiences and attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. Remember, when you visit zoos, you're not only having a great time, you're also supporting important endangered species conservation programs!

Poland's zoos aren't just places to see exotic animals. They are modern centers of education and entertainment, offering many unique attractions that make each visit an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the unique offerings you can find at Polish zoos:

1. Orientarium at the Lodz Zoo - An underwater adventure in the heart of Poland.

The Orientarium at the Lodz Zoo, located at 8/10 Konstantynowska Street, is one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe. Opened in 2022, it combines the functions of a zoo, an oceanarium and an educational center.

How to get there: Orientarium is well connected with the center of Lodz. It can be reached by bus lines 43A, 43B, 6, 76, 80, 99 or by streetcar lines 7, 13, 43A and 43B.

Opening hours: Orientarium is open daily. In the summer season (April-October) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and in the winter season (November-March) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 70 zlotys
• Concessionary: 50 zlotys
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Huge underwater tunnel 26 meters long, where you can admire sharks, rays and other sea creatures
• Indo-Pacific zone with a pool for Indian elephants
• Sundaic Islands Pavilion with orangutans and gibbons
• Celebes Pavilion with oriental otters and lowland anoa

The Orientarium is not just a place to see animals, but a real journey through the lands of Southeast Asia. Visitors can feel like explorers as they traverse a variety of ecosystems - from coral reefs to tropical jungles.

For families with children, there are interactive educational stations where they can learn many interesting facts about Asian animals and their environment through play.

It is worth planning at least 3-4 hours to visit the Orientarium. There are food outlets on site where you can rest and eat. Remember to wear comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking ahead of you!

2. the Afrykarium in Wroclaw Zoo - Journey through the Black Continent

The Afrykarium, part of the Wroclaw Zoo, is a unique attraction on a global scale that takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the diverse ecosystems of Africa. It is Poland's first thematic oceanarium dedicated to the fauna of Africa.

Main attractions of the Afrykarium:

• Underwater tunnel through the Red Sea, where you can admire sharks and colorful coral reef fish
• The jungle above Kong with Nile hippos and crocodiles
• The beach of the Skeleton Coast with a colony of African cats
• Mozambique Channel with a huge aquarium full of sharks and rays

The Afrykarium is not just a place to see animals, but a real educational adventure. Interactive exhibitions and multimedia presentations allow you to better understand the threats facing Africa's ecosystems.

3. zoological garden in Cracow - History and modernity

The Zoological Garden in Krakow, located at 14 Kasa Oszczędności Street of the City of Krakow, is one of the oldest zoos in Poland, founded in 1929. Despite its long history, the Krakow Zoo is constantly developing and modernizing, offering visitors many modern attractions.

How to get there: The ZOO can be reached by bus lines 134, 172, 194 or 102. On weekends and holidays there is a special line 274 from the city center directly to the ZOO.

Opening hours: The zoo is open daily. In the summer season (April-October) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and in the winter season (November-March) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 40 zlotys
• Concessionary: 25 zlotys
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Exotarium - a modern pavilion with reptiles and amphibians
• Pavilion 'Madagascar' - home to lemurs and other endemic species from the island
• Mini Zoo - where children can pet and feed the gentle animals
• An enclosure for brown bears - one of the largest in Europe

Krakow Zoo is famous for its extensive collection of felines, including rare Siberian tigers and Asiatic lions. Also worth noting is the modern penguin enclosure, where you can observe these fascinating birds both above and below the water.

For families with children, there are many educational attractions, including nature trails and interactive information boards. Night tours of the zoo are organized during the summer season and are extremely popular.

There are several food and beverage outlets and picnic areas on the garden grounds. Due to the hilly terrain, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and plan at least 3-4 hours for the tour.

Each of these sites offers unique experiences that will make your visit to the Polish Zoo unforgettable. Remember, when you visit the zoo, you are not only having a great time, but you are also supporting important endangered species conservation programs. It's a great opportunity to combine education with entertainment and spend valuable time with your family, learning about the fascinating world of animals.

A visit to the zoo is a great adventure for the whole family, but to fully enjoy the experience, it's a good idea to prepare properly. Here are some practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Polish Zoo:

1. choosing the right zoo

Poland boasts many great zoos, but each of them has its own characteristics. It is worth considering what interests you the most:

• If you want to see the greatest variety of animals, you should go to the Wrocław Zoo or the Warsaw Zoo.
• For lovers of exotic marine species, the Orientarium in Lodz or the Afrykarium in Wroclaw will be ideal.
• If you're looking for a combination of zoo and beautiful landscapes, the Gdansk Zoo will be a great choice.

2. planning the time of your visit

Most Polish zoos are vast complexes that require a lot of time to visit. Here are some tips:

• It is advisable to reserve a whole day for a large zoo, such as in Wrocław or Warsaw.
• Smaller gardens, such as the zoo in Krakow or Lodz, can be visited in 3-4 hours.
• It's worth checking the hours of animal feedings and shows - these are additional attractions that you shouldn't miss!

3. preparing for the visit

Before visiting the zoo it is worth:

• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• Take comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking ahead of you.
• Take water and snacks with you - although there are food outlets at most zoos, your own provisions can come in handy.
• Don't forget UV sunscreen and headgear on sunny days.
• Bring a camera or charge your phone - there will be plenty of opportunities to take souvenir photos.

4. tickets and amenities

• It's worth checking if the zoo offers online tickets - they are often cheaper and avoid queues.
• Some zoos offer combination tickets with other attractions in the city - this can be a good option if you plan a longer stay.
• Check if there are audio guides or mobile apps with a map and information about the animals - a great way to enrich your visit with additional knowledge.

5. attractions for children

Polish zoos offer many attractions specifically for the little ones:

• Mini ZOOs, where children can pet and feed gentle animals, can be found at the Wroclaw Zoo, Warsaw Zoo and Gdansk Zoo, among others.
• Playgrounds are standard equipment at most zoos.
• Many zoos organize educational workshops and animal feeding demonstrations - a great opportunity to learn through play.

6 Safety rules

Remember basic safety rules when visiting a zoo:

• Do not feed the animals without the permission of the keepers.
• Do not cross security barriers.
• Don't tap on the glass or try to get the animals' attention.
• Keep an eye on children, especially in areas where animals have more freedom (such as monkey or bird enclosures).

7. after the visit

• Many zoos offer the opportunity to 'adopt' an animal - a great way to support the zoo and prolong the experience of your visit.
• Consider buying souvenirs - proceeds from their sale often support endangered species conservation programs.

8. recommended zoos for different age groups

• For families with young children (3-7 years old): Gdansk Zoological Garden or Krakow Zoo - smaller, but with many attractions for the youngest.
• For families with school-age children (8-12 years old): Wroclaw Zoo or Orientarium in Lodz - large complexes with interactive educational exhibitions.
• For teenagers and adults: Warsaw Zoo or Silesian Zoological Garden - rich in rare species and with an interesting history.

The Silesian Zoological Garden, located in Chorzow at 7 Promenada Generała Jerzego Ziętka Street, is one of the largest zoos in Poland. It covers an area of 47 hectares and is home to more than 2,500 animals representing some 300 species.

How to get there: The Silesian Zoo is easiest to reach by car - it is located within the Silesian Park. For those using public transportation, the nearest stop is 'Silesian Park Zoological Garden' (bus lines 6, 98, 193).

Opening hours: The zoo is open daily, all year round. In the summer season (April-October) from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and in the winter season (November-March) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Ticket prices (as of 2024):

• Normal: 30 zlotys
• Concessionary: 20 zlotys
• Children under 3 years old: free admission

Main attractions:

• Elephant Pavilion - one of the largest in Europe
• Dinosaur Basin - with models of prehistoric reptiles
• Giraffe and Rhino Pavilion
• Exotarium - with a rich collection of reptiles and amphibians

The Silesian Zoo is famous for its breeding programs for rare species, including endangered white rhinos. Note the extensive collection of felines, including rare Siberian tigers and Asiatic lions.

There are many educational attractions for families with children, including nature trails and interactive information boards. Night tours of the zoo are organized during the summer season and are extremely popular.

A visit to the zoo is not only great fun, but also an opportunity to learn and develop sensitivity to the needs of animals and the environment. No matter which zoo you choose, you are sure to have a fascinating adventure and unforgettable memories. Remember that every visit to the Zoo also supports endangered species conservation and wildlife education programs. Have fun and see you in Polish zoos!