Poznań New Zoo

The New Zoo in Poznań, opened on September 16, 1974, is the second-largest zoo in Poland by area, located on 120.68 hectares of picturesque woodland with expansive ponds. It is situated in the eastern green wedge of Poznań and serves as a complement to the historic Old Zoo. The zoo is renowned for its extensive collection of birds of prey and owls, as well as its efforts in protecting endangered species such as the Bawean deer and the European mink. The history of the New Zoo dates back to the 1960s, when preparations began for its construction due to the developmental limitations of the Old Zoo. In 2008, a modern elephant house was built, and in subsequent years, new facilities were opened, including a pavilion for European lynxes and a brown bear sanctuary, co-created with the German foundation Vier Pfoten. The zoo is actively involved in animal population restoration programs, such as the release of a golden eagle into the wild in 2016. The New Zoo gained membership in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in 1992, although its status was downgraded to provisional member in 2020. The zoo grounds also feature a historic military structure—Fort III, part of the siege system of the Poznań Fortress from 1877–1881, which has been open to visitors since 2011. Various transportation options are available for visitors, including city buses (MPK) and a seasonal park train, making it convenient to explore the zoo's vast area.