Łódź Zoological Garden

The Łódź Municipal Zoological Garden, established in 1938, is located at Konstantynowska Street and is the only place in Poland where you can see Amazonian manatees, Sumatran orangutans, gharial crocodiles, and bush dogs. In 2022, the zoo was home to 3,350 animals from 554 species, with the main attraction being the modern Orientarium, opened in 2022 as the most advanced breeding complex in Europe dedicated to the fauna of Southeast Asia. Since 1975, the zoo has been a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and since 1993, it has participated in the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Located on an area of 16.64 hectares, the zoo was established on the grounds of the former Łódź Forest and has undergone numerous changes and developments since its inception, including the expansion of animal enclosures and the construction of new pavilions. The garden's history is marked by its survival of World War II and the acceptance of animals from the destroyed Wrocław zoo. Breeding achievements are also particularly noteworthy, including the births of rare species such as the southern cassowary and the binturong. The park also features various educational attractions for children, including a petting zoo and playgrounds. A cultural element of the zoo is the monument of Maurycy and Hawranek, unveiled in 2013 as part of the Łódź Bajkowa (Fairy-Tale Łódź) project. The zoo focuses on ecological education and species conservation, and its development has been made possible through the involvement of local authorities and its transformation into a limited liability company in 2016. The architecture of the Orientarium is particularly noteworthy, with a building covering 33,000 m² that includes several sections, such as an elephant house with a pool, an aquarium with an underwater tunnel, and an exhibition of animals from the island of Celebes. The Łódź Zoo is not only a place of entertainment but also plays an important role in biodiversity conservation and environmental education.