Silesian Zoological Garden

The Silesian Zoological Garden, located within Silesian Park in Chorzów, began its operations in 1954, when the first animal enclosures were built. Over time, animal species from other zoos, including those in Katowice and Bytom, were relocated here. In 1975, a major expansion took place with the creation of the Dinosaur Valley, featuring concrete reconstructions of sixteen dinosaurs. These were modeled based on remains discovered in the Gobi Desert by Polish paleontologists between 1963 and 1971. Since 2007, the zoo has been directed by Jolanta Kopiec, a well-known local politician. The zoo also features a Mini Zoo, where visitors can interact with gentler animals such as rabbits and goats. Each year, the Silesian Zoo attracts around 380,000 visitors. In recent years, the zoo has celebrated several noteworthy animal births. In 2011, many young animals were born, including four cheetahs and several other species, underscoring the zoo’s role in breeding and conservation efforts. The zoo also gained attention for the birth of a red panda in 2020. With a rich collection of 2,681 animals representing 312 species, the Silesian Zoo is the third-largest zoo in Poland. It is worth noting that the zoo is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, highlighting its importance in European conservation efforts and its commitment to species protection. The zoo has also experienced tragic events; in 2005, a fatal incident occurred when a woman fell into the bear enclosure. All these aspects make the Silesian Zoological Garden not only an attractive destination for visitors but also a key player in wildlife conservation in Poland.