City Zoological Garden in Warsaw

Interesting facts

1. 1

   During WWII, the zoo's director Jan Żabiński and his wife Antonina saved over 300 Jews by hiding them in their villa and empty animal enclosures.

2. 2

   The zoo holds an original Art Nouveau villa on its grounds, which is preserved as a memorial to the Żabiński family's rescue efforts.

3. 3

   It is one of the few urban zoos in Europe located entirely within a city's center while maintaining significant wooded areas.

4. 4

   The facility is an active member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

5. 5

   The zoo's 'Słoniarnia' (Elephant House) was one of the largest and most advanced in Europe at the time of its modernization.

Overview

The City Zoological Garden in Warsaw, established in 1928, spans 40 hectares in the Praga district. It houses over 12,000 animals representing more than 500 species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinoceroses. The zoo is world-renowned for the heroism of Jan and Antonina Żabiński, the former directors who sheltered hundreds of Jewish citizens and resistance members in their villa and animal enclosures during World War II. The facility features a modern hippopotamus pavilion with underwater viewing areas. Exhibits are organized by habitat, including dedicated zones for reptiles, primates, and predatory birds. It serves as a conservation center participating in the European Endangered Species Programme.

Insider tips

• Visit the Żabiński Villa early, as it requires separate registration or specific guided tour slots.

• Use the map provided at the entrance to navigate the park, as the layout is expansive and winding.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes, as the park covers a large area with varying terrain.