Wroclaw Zoo - A Grrrreat Day Out!

2 min read    12 comments

The City Zoological Garden in Wroclaw was originally established in 1865, which makes it the oldest zoo in Poland (a slightly ironic boast, since in 1865 Wroclaw was the German town of Breslau!). As well as being the oldest, The Wroclaw Zoological Garden has the largest collection of animals in Poland, with almost 7,000 in number from 600 different species, in an area covering 33 hectares.

Like most institutions in Wroclaw, the zoo has a troubled history. In 1921, following the economic crisis in Germany, it was forced to shut down. It was reopened in 1927 and enjoyed a healthy period of growth, however the events of World War II saw much of the zoo destroyed and many of the animals were killed or lost. After the war, with Wroclaw returning to Polish hands, the resurgence of Wroclaw University and its vested interest in the natural sciences paved the way for the zoo to be reopened in 1948 - albeit with just 150 animals of 60 different species. Great support for the zoo amongst the townspeople ensured that the garden quickly grew in stature, overcoming a number more setbacks, so that by the end of the 50s it had expanded to its current size.

Nearly 60 years since it began its new life, Wroclaw Zoo is as popular as ever, attracting around 400,000 visitors a year (of which around 230,000 are children). Amongst the major crowd-pullers are the big cats (including a white Bengal Tiger), the bear house, the elephant house, the monkey house, and perhaps most impressive of all the Terrarium. Originally built as a vast restaurant seating a staggering 1,200 people, the Terrarium was destroyed in WWII and reconstructed in 1965-70 as the Reptile and Amphibian House. Meanwhile, in the more modern enclosures of the 1950s, the likes of giraffes, antelope and bison can be seen grazing at leisure.

For those who are keen to visit the Zoological Garden and find out what it is like for themselves, you will find the institution situated on the ulica (street) Wroblewskiego, 1-5 - which is a little East of the centre of town and is accessible by trams 1, 2, 4, 10 and 19 and buses 145 and 146. Or you might want to save yourself some time and jump in a taxi.

The zoo is open 9 am - 6 pm in summer and 9 am - 4 pm in winter with the box office closing an hour before the zoo itself, so make sure you are there by 5 pm or 3 pm respectively. Tickets cost 10 zloty for hard-working citizens, or 4 for slackers.

You can visit the official City Zoological Garden in Wroclaw website by clicking here. Make sure you've got your Polish dictionary to hand!

We also list Wroclaw Zoo as part of our entertainment directory and you can find more information, including a review section there - please feel free to add your own witty and insightful comments!

Comments

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Olga
Russia

Wonderful place! First I was here 15 years ago, when was teenager and now came with elder son. I guess one of the best Zoo in Europe, unique animals. Green area, animals so close. My recomendations!

Reply Aug 21st, 2013
Emma
United Kingdom

Lovely zoo, Tiger enclosure is small but the rest of the animals seem all looked after. Defintly worth a visit, lots to see.

Reply Apr 6th, 2013
Cathy
United Kingdom

I really enjoyed the swans, the fish and reptiles. But i did not like the lion or tiger enclosures, why not build a platform with steps or wooden ladder for them to climb up, so they can see us and we can see them! Also was not sure but was tiger on its own and is it part of breeding program? Loved the Shetland ponies! Not as good as Edinburgh Zoo, but hey not bad!!

Reply Sep 19th, 2012
Rachael
United Kingdom

Best Zoo I have been to by far. All animals appear happy and healthy and there is a vast selection to see. Brilliant day out in a beautiful city.

Reply Feb 29th, 2012
Gillian Gandy
United Kingdom

Please can you tell me how Rhanee and Toto are?Especially Rhanee's behaviour

Reply Apr 12th, 2011
Theresa
United States

Can you confirm the welbeing of Rhanee at you zoo? I would like to know of her health status. Thank you.

Reply Jun 18th, 2010
Mavis
Ireland

www.asianelephant.net/wroclaw/wroclaw.htm

Reply Jun 16th, 2010
Cliff Norman
United Kingdom

Hi I would like to know who to contact regarding the wellbeing or Rhanee the elephant that was brought here from Spain. I have seen videos of her on you tube , where she is described as a dancing elephant . I knew her in 1998.She loved to eat polo mints, if you could , please give her some , she would be so happy . She also loves acorns, i took her for a walk in Raines park in London and she rubbed against the oak trees Thank you Kind Regards cliff Cliff Norman

Reply Apr 28th, 2010
lil davies
United Kingdom

Please can you confirm if Rhanee the elephant is at your Zoo. Many thanks. Lil. Davies. U.K.

Reply May 20th, 2009
billy bob
United Kingdom

bit boring... neh it was great

Reply Jun 22nd, 2008
liam newell and ala smardz
Ireland

We had a really good conversation with the monkeys! This is by far the best zoo in the world.

Reply Apr 10th, 2007
Eddie Worsley
Australia

Most of the Zoological Gardens in Poland generally are of a very high standard. I've always been impressed with how well they are maintained, particularly given the low amount of funding they have generally had over the years.

Reply Dec 18th, 2006