In every country popular among tourists, there are sights called "must visit", that is, must-see. For example, in Poland, one such place is the zoo in Warsaw. This is not just a collection of animals and birds worth seeing. The zoo can rightly boast of a long and interesting history and is a unique complex.
Historical background
The Poles saw the very first menagerie under King Jan III Sobiesk, and a full-fledged zoo opened back in 1926. Kangaroos, brown bears, crocodiles, monkeys, porcupines, etc. were placed on a small square along Koshikova Street. At that time, there were menageries in other quarters of the capital of Poland. A couple of years later, namely in 1928, they were all united into one common zoological garden. At that time, there were about five hundred animals in it.
The Warsaw Zoo was badly damaged during the war, and the staff had to kill predators andbig elephants for safety reasons. Part of the animals died when the city was bombed, and the other part was transported by the Germans to Germany, where they were distributed among different menageries. After the end of World War II, the zoo began to be restored and reopened to the public in 1948.
Features
The total area of the zoological garden is more than 40 hectares, it is divided into several thematic zones. At the entrance to the zoo, visitors are greeted by a huge hippopotamus. And then five thousand different animals and birds are waiting for you, which you can see, and sometimes feed, listen to their singing, growling, etc. There is a rehabilitation center for wild birds called "Bird Refuge". Here, specialists treat and rehabilitate pets, the number of which reaches 1500 every year. About half of the recovered birds are released.
Every resident of the capital of Poland knows that the zoo in Warsaw includes not only cages with animals and birds, but also several beautiful parks with clean air and amazing vegetation. People come here just to walk and breathe, enjoy the views and observe the purity of the natural world.
Pride of the Zoo
The zoo has modern pavilions and aviaries, where animals and birds live comfortably, almost like in their natural environment. One of the latest achievements of the leadership was the opening of a new pavilion where hippos settled. A special aquarium for sharks also appeared, and before that, gorillas received new housing,chimpanzees and jaguars. In the Hall of Free Flight, among the numerous green spaces, you can watch the flights of Asian birds, listen to their singing and the unusual sound of the waterfall.
More than 50 species of reptiles are presented to the attention of visitors in the serpentarium. Here and a variety of turtles, and poisonous snakes, and crocodiles, and monitor lizards. Above all this action, there is a cafe on top where you can drink a cup of coffee or tea and watch the mysterious representatives of the fauna.
The oldest building here is considered to be the "House under the Roof", erected in the year of the foundation of the zoo. Many years ago there was a nursery for zebras and camels. Despite the fact that the Warsaw zoo was badly damaged during the war, especially the wooden buildings, this house has undergone restoration and today serves as a venue for various kinds of exhibitions.
Fairy Zoo
A favorite place for children and their parents is the Fairytale Zoo. In this place you can meet animals known to us from fairy tales and play with them on the territory of the playground. Under the supervision of zoo staff, children are allowed to feed and caress pets, while adults get a moment to relax on the bench.
In addition to its usual work, the zoo in Warsaw is also a territory for conducting lessons for elementary, secondary schools and even lectures for university students. In addition, there are classes for children with special physical needs, and they can even arrangesolemn celebration of a child's birthday. It is convenient for visitors that there are several cafes on the territory of the zoo for relaxing and having a snack. Gift shops and shops are also available to visitors.
Address and opening hours
Visit the zoo in Warsaw, whose address is ul. Ratuszowa 1/3, available every day from 9.00 to 19.00. At the same time, the box office is also open every day and closes one hour before the end of visits. The ticket price for schoolchildren and students is PLN 13, and for adults - PLN 18. To avoid standing in line, tickets should be purchased online on the official website. Pensioners are given the opportunity to come to the zoo for free once a month. Guests under the age of three and seniors (over 70 years of age) enter the zoo without paying. To do this, you must have documents confirming your age with you.
Many travelers who have visited Poland recommend visiting the zoo in Warsaw. Any local resident will tell you how to get there. The zoo is located near the center - in the Prague region, on the banks of the Vistula River, and by bus number 60, 226, 190, 512 or tram number 1, 16, 4, 28 you can reach it without any problems. You should get off at the Helskie stop.
