13:40 29 August 2025
Warsaw Zoo Sets Record Attendance, Prepares Major Upgrades
The Warsaw Zoo, officially named after Antonina and Jan Żabiński, is experiencing record-breaking attendance, with more than one million visitors annually. According to director Dr. Andrzej Kruszewicz, affordable ticket prices and the garden’s public mission – rather than commercial goals – have fueled its popularity. However, many facilities built in the 1950s now require replacement, and a series of large-scale investments is underway.
Construction is progressing on new enclosures for cheetahs, penguins, and polar bears, alongside a modern primate house and an expansive African savanna. The new penguin pavilion, set to open next year, will feature a glass-walled pool, while the polar bear habitat will allow visitors to observe the animals underwater. An African-themed observation terrace is also planned.
Home to 12,000 animals across 500 species, including 50 protected under the European Endangered Species Program, the zoo emphasizes conservation, education, research, rehabilitation, and recreation. Despite limited revenue – tickets cost 35 PLN in summer, with broad discounts available – the zoo’s role as a green refuge in the city remains central.
“Some buildings were cheaply built in the 1950s and must be replaced. Modern zoos must adapt quickly as our knowledge of animals evolves,” Dr. Kruszewicz said.
(Newseria)
