In the heart of Wrocław, Poland's oldest zoo has reinvented itself with a stunning twist: the world's only oceanarium dedicated entirely to Africa's aquatic life.

Welcome to Wrocław Zoo, where history and innovation swim together in perfect harmony. Sprawling across 33 hectares of carefully landscaped grounds, this beloved institution doesn't just showcase animals. It tells stories of evolution, conservation, and the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

With over 10,500 animals representing more than 1,150 species, from trumpet-trunked elephants to delicate insects, this zoo offers encounters that span the entire animal kingdom.

A Legacy of Conservation

As Poland's oldest zoological garden, Wrocław Zoo has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape for generations. What began as a traditional menagerie has evolved into a modern conservation center that balances education with animal welfare.

The zoo's crowning achievement came with the opening of the Africarium, a bold architectural statement that reimagined what a zoo could be. This wasn't just an addition but a complete rethinking of how to present African wildlife, focusing on the continent's lesser-known aquatic ecosystems.

From Savannah to Sea

The zoo's collection spans continents and habitats, housing everything from massive African elephants to the tiniest invertebrates. But the real star is the Africarium, where hippos glide underwater in mesmerizing slow motion, their massive bodies transformed into graceful dancers.

African fur seals perform acrobatic displays, while manatees drift serenely through their warm pools. Hundreds of fish species fill massive aquarium tanks, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of African rivers, lakes, and coastlines that most visitors never knew existed.

A World First in African Waters

The Africarium stands alone globally as the only themed oceanarium devoted exclusively to African aquatic fauna. This innovative concept challenges the common perception of Africa as purely a land of deserts and savannahs, revealing the continent's rich underwater worlds.

The facility creates immersive environments that transport visitors from the Red Sea to the Mozambique Channel, from the Congo River to the beaches of Cape Town. State-of-the-art viewing tunnels and windows provide intimate encounters with creatures most people only see in documentaries.

Wroclaw Zoo & Africarium Highlights & Tips

• The Africarium Experience Don't miss the underwater viewing areas where you can watch hippos swimming overhead and witness their surprising aquatic grace. The perspective completely changes how you see these massive animals.
• African Fur Seal Shows Watch these playful pinnipeds demonstrate their natural behaviors in educational presentations that highlight their intelligence and adaptability.
• Manatee Encounters Observe these gentle giants of African waters in carefully recreated warm-water habitats that mirror their natural environment.
• Plan a Full Day Visit With 33 hectares to explore and over 1,150 species to discover, allocate at least 4-5 hours to properly experience both the traditional zoo grounds and the Africarium.
• Start with the Africarium Visit the Africarium in the morning when crowds are lighter and animals are most active. The cooler morning temperatures also make for more comfortable viewing.
• Photography Tips The Africarium's large viewing windows offer excellent photo opportunities. Turn off your flash to avoid reflections and disturbance to the animals.
• Seasonal Considerations The Africarium is an all-weather attraction, making it perfect for rainy days. The outdoor zoo areas are most enjoyable during spring and summer months.

Wrocław Zoo represents something increasingly rare: a historic institution that has successfully evolved for the modern age. By creating the Africarium, the zoo has done more than add an attraction. It has opened visitors' eyes to entire ecosystems they never knew existed.

Whether you're watching hippos perform underwater ballet, marveling at the diversity of African fish species, or encountering the traditional zoo residents, you're experiencing conservation education at its finest. This is a place where wonder and learning flow together as naturally as the rivers the Africarium celebrates.