For animals of all kinds, visit Wroclaw Zoo, a beloved destination located on Wroclaw’s Great Island. The zoo is enormous. Home to over 1,100 different species of animals across 82 acres (33 hectares), it is the third-most biodiverse zoo in the world. Come and learn about its more than 10,000 animals, from the okapi to lion to many species of lemur.
The zoo was opened in 1865 while Wroclaw was still part of Prussia. Appreciate the heritage buildings in the south part of the park as well as the famous Soviet-era neon sign that greets you as you arrive. Give yourself a whole day to explore, because you will need plenty of time.
Devote several hours to the zoo’s new Africarium, an aquarium complex highlighting the many water environments of Africa. Enjoy a crocodile feeding or watch hippos, Africa’s most dangerous animals, glide gracefully through the water. Gape at the many sharks or observe African penguins shooting back and forth in the water.
If you want to improve your Polish, take some tips from the zoo’s macaw, one of the world’s only Polish-speaking macaws. Try out some new phrases as you feed the animals in the yard. Children under the age of 10 can go on pony rides on the ranch during the summer. End your big day out with a trip to the on-site post office, so you can mail out reflections about your day while your memories are fresh.
Reach the zoo in 20 minutes by tram from the city center. This ride will take you over the picturesque Zwierzyniecki Bridge to the east of the city. Metered parking is available, but public transportation is recommended. Admission to the Wroclaw Zoo and the Africarium is available for a fee. Young children and the elderly enter for free. Purchase family tickets for up to two adults and three children. On sunny weekends, be sure to arrive early. The site is one of the most visited zoos in Europe.
