Grodno Zoo: the oldest and largest animal park in Belarus

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

To visit the city of Grodno and not visit the local zoo is a real crime. To date, the Grodno Zoo is considered the oldest and most interesting in all of Belarus. On an area of 5 hectares with comfort, in conditions as close to natural as possible, a wide variety of animals are kept. It will be interesting to visit this place for both adults and children.

History of the foundation of the zoo in Grodno

At the male gymnasium named after Adam Mickiewicz, there was a Society of Nature Lovers. In 1925, this organization achieved the opening of the Botanical Garden on the territory of the adjacent park, today it is the park named after. Gilibert. A couple of years after the creation of the educational green zone, our own zoo corner appeared on the territory. It is believed that the first animal was an ordinary black beaver, which Kokhanovsky personally delivered from Lunno to the zoo. In the first years of its existence, the Grodno Zoo could boasta collection of 17 animal species "exhibits". For educational purposes, the zoo began to be visited not only by high school students, but also by their peers studying in other institutions. In 1930, the zoo acquired its permanent residence. All animals from it were transported to a specially equipped site, the zoo is located at this address today. Around 1935, the status of the organization was changed. Since then, a fee has been charged to enter the territory, and anyone can visit the animal park. All this time, the zoo has been developing, its territory has gradually increased, and new animals have appeared. In 1936, there were about 400 individuals of various species.

Zoo during World War II

The war years are a dark spot on the history of the zoo in Grodno. The territory itself was badly damaged, many buildings were destroyed, animals died, some especially valuable individuals were transported to the Königsberg Zoo. Suffered during the war and Yan Kokhanovsky - one of the organizers of the Grodno Zoo. He was arrested along with another 99 representatives of the intelligentsia. When local residents turned to the head of the Gestapo with a request to release the prisoners, he announced that he intended to shoot 25 people out of a hundred detainees, and release the rest. Among those sentenced to death was also Jozef Wiewurski, a teacher and father of six children. In addition, he was a close friend of Kochanowski, and then Jan offered his life in exchange for the release of this man. Founderthe zoo was shot in the summer of 1942. The Grodno Zoo was almost completely destroyed during the German occupation. In 1944, Soviet troops liberated the city, but on the site of the once flourishing animal park, only gloomy ruins awaited them. The zoo begins its new history in December 1944. At that time, a new director was chosen, the territory and building materials were allocated, and the first animals appeared - two donkeys.

Restoration and reconstruction

Already at the end of 1946, the Grodno Zoo again became an interesting place for city residents and tourists. At that time, deer, donkeys, foxes, brown bears, wolves, camels, wild boars, peacocks, ostriches and many other animals could be seen here. Gradually, the territory was improved, all the buildings were rebuilt. The official opening took place on September 28, 1946. At the same time, the institution was allocated as much as 5 hectares of land, which outlined real prospects for the development of the animal park.

Grodno Zoo these days

During the Soviet era, the zoo developed steadily, but during the years of perestroika, decline and devastation typical of its period were noticeable. A major renovation took place in 2002. It was thanks to the repair and noticeable improvement of the territory that the Grodno Zoo took on its modern look. Today, on its territory you can see modern comfortable enclosures, a large terrarium, a contact zone "Grandma's Yard", where you can pet and feed the animals. For visitors herethere are enough benches for rest, cafes and restaurants, attractions for children, shops, among which there is a real pet store where you can choose a pet for yourself.

Useful information for tourists

The zoo in Grodno today is the largest in all of Belarus. It is located in close proximity to the main railway station of the city, the exact address is: Timiryazeva Street, possession 11. The cost of a children's entrance ticket is $ 2, and an adult - $ 4, kids under the age of 6 can visit the Grodno Zoo for free. Working hours of the organization: from 10.00 to 18.00 daily, without weekends and holidays. Warning: Animals must not be fed or photographed with flash.

Grodno Zoo: photos and reviews

The Animal Park in Grodno is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and a favorite place for locals to walk. Children of all ages are delighted with its visit, because here you can not only look at exotic animals, but also pet some of them in the contact mini-zoo and ride a wagon or a children's train. A large area, a sufficient number of restaurants and cafes, as well as recreation areas make this place an excellent place for a family walk for the whole day. What is important, all the guests of the zoo in their reviews claim that it simply has no minuses. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit this place - positive emotions are guaranteed!