How many zoos are there in Poland? Which one is the largest, the oldest, and where can you find the prettiest zoo in Poland? Answering these questions is not easy. Here is our subjective ranking of zoos in Poland.
Polish zoos play crucial educational and scientific roles, engaging in wildlife conservation and conducting research. Each zoo offers unique attractions, making them fascinating places for family or school trips.
How Many Zoos Are There in Poland?
There are 26 official zoological gardens in Poland. Additionally, the country boasts numerous private, smaller zoos and reserves. Today, we focus on the larger, public institutions that belong to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Among these are zoos in Chorzów, Gdańsk, Kraków, Łódź, Opole, Płock, Poznań, Toruń, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Zamość.
What Is the Largest Zoo in Poland? – Gdańsk Zoo
The largest zoo in Poland is the Gdańsk Zoo in Oliwa. It spans over 123 hectares. Officially opened on May 1, 1954, its roots go back to 1927 when there was a game reserve in Oliwa.
At the end of 2019, the zoo was home to 868 animals representing 220 species, including 74 species of mammals, 57 species of birds, 29 species of reptiles, and 4 species of amphibians. Gdańsk Zoo is renowned worldwide for breeding great condors and housing Poland’s only collections of anoa and Javan lutungs. Other rare species include scimitar oryx, pygmy hippos, bongo antelopes, cheetahs, Bali starlings, Gentoo penguins, mandrills, orangutans, chimpanzees, Alfred deer, Kafue lechwe, Mishmi takins, and Amur tigers.
This zoo, with its rich history and dynamic development, attracts crowds of visitors. It offers a diverse collection of animals and numerous species conservation programs, making it an excellent place for family outings and learning about nature. The zoo also provides special wagons for rent, making it easier to explore the entire area with small children.
If you plan to visit the Tricity and want to see the zoo along with other attractions, book a room at HOLA Gdynia. This facility, located near the beach and train station, ensures convenient sightseeing. HOLA Gdynia is also ideal for accommodating large school groups, offering comfortable rooms.
Where Is the Oldest Zoo in Poland? – Wrocław Zoo
The oldest zoo in Poland is the Wrocław Zoo, located at 1–5 Wróblewskiego Street. It was opened on July 10, 1865, and covers an area of 33 hectares. The second oldest is the Poznań Zoo, founded in 1874 and officially registered in 1875.
By the end of 2015, the zoo housed over 10,500 animals representing 1,132 species, making it the third-largest zoo in the world in terms of species diversity. Wrocław Zoo is also the fifth most visited zoo in Europe, with a record daily attendance of 28,300 visitors.
The zoo not only showcases a vast array of interesting animals but also features historic buildings such as the bear tower from 1863, the elephant house from 1888, and a Japanese-style wooden gate from 1912.
Wrocław Zoo is known for many breeding successes. Dwarf hippos have been born here multiple times. In 2018, the first captive-born bear cuscus in the world was born here. The zoo also breeds Bali starlings, considered extinct in the wild.
Wrocław Zoo gained a new attraction with the opening of the Afrykarium – a complex presenting African animals, including an oceanarium. This addition has made the zoo even more popular.
The Prettiest and Best Zoo in Poland – Orientarium ZOO Łódź
There is no definitive answer to which zoo is the prettiest or best. Both Gdańsk and Wrocław zoos impress visitors. However, the Municipal Zoological Garden in Łódź also deserves mention, with its modern enclosures and even a glass-walled elephant pool!
Located at 8/10 Konstantynowska Street, the Łódź Zoo was founded in 1938 and covers an area of 16.64 hectares. The zoo was established on the site of the former Łódź Forest. The first resident was a deer named Boruta, captured in the city center.
In 2022, the zoo housed 3,350 animals from 554 species. It is the only place in Poland where you can see Amazonian manatees, Sumatran orangutans, gharial crocodiles, and bush dogs. In 1996, it became the first zoo in Poland to acquire Asiatic lions.
The zoo’s main attraction is the Orientarium, opened in 2022. It is the most modern breeding complex in Europe dedicated to the fauna of Southeast Asia. The Orientarium includes an elephant house with a large enclosure and pool, an aquarium with 7 tanks and a 26-meter underwater tunnel, and the Sunda Islands section with gharial crocodiles, Sumatran orangutans, Malayan bears, and binturongs. The Municipal Zoological Garden in Łódź is a rapidly developing facility that attracts visitors with its diverse collection of animals and modern breeding facilities. Weekend visits require preparation for long entry lines.
Opole Zoo – A Zoo That Will Surprise You
The Opole Zoo, located on Bolko Island, covers an area of over 30 hectares. Its history dates back to 1912 when a park was established on the island, and part of the area was fenced off to create a private game reserve. The zoo was destroyed during World War II, but the Zoological Garden Reconstruction Committee was established in 1952, leading to the zoo’s reopening in July 1953. The Great Flood of 1997 devastated the zoo, but its reconstruction began in 1998. Today, most buildings in the zoo were built in the 21st century, making the Opole Zoo one of the most modern in Poland.
The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing 227 species, including 89 species of birds, 73 species of mammals, 43 species of invertebrates, and 11 species each of reptiles and amphibians. Notable residents include lowland gorillas and California sea lions.
Summary – The Largest, Oldest, and Best: A Ranking of Zoos in Poland
Polish zoos are not just places to see exotic animals; they are also important educational and scientific centers engaged in wildlife conservation and research on endangered species. Each zoo offers unique attractions and experiences that draw thousands of visitors each year. From the largest Gdańsk Zoo to the historic Wrocław Zoo and the modern Orientarium in Łódź, every zoo has something special to offer. No matter which zoo you choose, you can expect unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons about the natural world.
