Leszno Zoo

The Leszno Zoo, located at 17 Stycznia Street in Millennium Park, has a rich history dating back to 1903, when the first animal park was established on Poniatowskiego Street. During the interwar period, maintaining the zoo was challenging, which led to the founding of the Society of Friends of the Animal Park. In 1934, the zoo was relocated to a new site, where it housed various animal species, including brown bears, wolves, and fallow deer. The German occupation in 1941 brought another change of location, and the zoo moved to the area now occupied by Millennium Park. After World War II, due to fighting and a harsh winter, many animals perished, and the zoo ceased operations. Activities resumed in 1977, and by 2010, the zoo was home to 25 species, including birds and mammals, totaling 35 animals. The current form of the zoo is the result of modernization carried out between 1995 and 2002. Visitors to the zoo can see wild boars, deer, roe deer, swans, pheasants, and ducks. In 2011, two brown bears, Kasia and Basia, were relocated to a sanctuary in Germany due to poor living conditions. The facility lacked proper sanitary infrastructure, and the surroundings, including a nearby speedway stadium, were not conducive to animal welfare. The Leszno Zoo reflects a complex history, cultural influences, and the importance of animal protection in the local community.