Warsaw Zoo

If you looking for an oasis of calmness in Poland's bustling capital city then Warsaw Zoo gives you the chance to do so in a setting that tastefully celebrates nature. Founded in 1928, this zoo gives homes to about 5,000 animals belonging to 500 different species including 31 species under a special rescue programme all spread over 40 hectares. Not only does it act as a haven for animals, historically it was also significant as a place which saved the lives of Jews who were in hiding during WWII.

African elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Indian rhinoceroses, gibbons, various species of birds, reptiles and tropical fish can all be viewed here. There are also many native Polish animals such as otters, brown bears and storks. Opened in 2008, the modern pavilion for apes houses two male gorillas and a group of chimpanzees. Visitors can observe these clever animals from large indoor paths surrounded by water or outside where they are separated from them by glass. The zoo also boasts a modern elephant house which is one of the most up-to-date in Europe.

In 1937 the zoo's female elephant Kasia gave birth to the first Indian elephant ever born in a Polish zoo. In 2005 there was the birth of 6 young cheetahs and recent years have seen the arrival of a llama, a female Bactrian camel and a red-bellied tamarin. The zoo is well equipped with restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops including one 'Chata pod Strecha', the oldest house in the zoo, erected in 1928. Children can get up close to the animals in the special 'Fairytale Zoo' where they can feed them and there is also a playground to keep children and perhaps adults alike entertained.

The entrance is located at 1/3 Ratuszowa Street. Getting to the zoo is not a problem with many trams and buses going there. Opening hours are from 9am - 6pm every day with Tuesdays free for old age pensioners. Wheelchair friendly facilities are available.

Opening Times:

Daily from 9.00 am till 6 pm.

Tickets:

Normal: 18 PLN, Reduced: 13 PLN, Kids under 3 free of charge