Looking for the perfect way to embrace the long May weekend? Poznań’s Nowe Zoo invites you to an unforgettable adventure filled with wildlife, history, and fun for visitors of all ages. With extended opening hours, a rich programme of animal encounters, and charming attractions like the Maltanka Park Railway, Nowe Zoo is the place to be — not only in May but all year round.
A Stroll Through History
The Nowe Zoo (New Zoo), located in the picturesque district of Malta in Poznań, is one of Poland’s largest zoological gardens. Opened on 29th April 1974, the zoo was established to relieve the increasingly crowded Old Zoo near the city centre. The Nowe Zoo stretches over over 120 hectares of forest and meadows, making it unique in Europe for its size and naturalistic landscape.
But the story of zoological gardens in Poznań reaches back much further — to 1874, when the city’s first zoo was founded as a birthday surprise for a local tavern owner! Since then, Poznań has become a stronghold of wildlife conservation and education. The Nowe Zoo was designed with a modern vision: to create spacious, near-wild habitats where animals can live in conditions mimicking their natural environments. Today, it houses over 2,000 animals representing 260 species, many of which are endangered or rare.
An interesting trivia: the zoo’s most famous historic resident was an Indian elephant called “Kinga”, who lived at the Old Zoo but symbolically represents the city’s deep bond with animal welfare initiatives.
Meet the Residents
Exploring the Nowe Zoo feels a bit like travelling around the globe without ever leaving Poznań. From the impressive Asian elephants in the spacious Elephant House (Słoniarnia) to the graceful giraffes and the elusive snow leopards, each animal has a thoughtfully designed home that reflects their natural environment.
One thing that really sets Poznań’s New Zoo apart is the care taken to create large, naturalistic spaces where animals can behave much like they would in the wild. The giraffes and black rhinos, for example, roam across wide, open enclosures that encourage natural social behaviours.
Recently, the zoo has welcomed two very special new residents: a pair of critically endangered European minks. The female arrived from Zoodysee in France, while the male came from Osnabrück Zoo in Germany — both part of a European conservation programme aimed at saving this rare species.
Of course, there’s much more to discover. Alongside favourites like the brown bears and the soaring Andean condors, you’ll find some real hidden gems: endangered bongo antelopes with their striking stripes, giant anteaters with their comical walk, and the beautiful, rare white-bearded colobus monkeys.
Throughout the May long weekend, the zoo will host a series of short animal talks between 11:00 and 16:30, giving visitors the chance to learn more about these incredible animals directly from the people who care for them every day.
Special Animal Talks During the Long May Weekend
If you’d like to get to know the residents even better, Nowe Zoo has prepared a delightful schedule of guided mini-meetings with the animals. Here’s what’s planned every day from 1st to 4th May:
- 11:00 – Learn about three species of lemurs near the Nocturnal Animals Pavilion.
- 11:30 – Meet the charismatic black-handed spider monkeys.
- 12:00 – Discover the lives of busy meerkats.
- 12:30 – Find out more about the majestic Andean condors.
- 13:00 – Dive into the world of invertebrates at the Insectarium.
- 13:30 – Spend time with the mighty brown bears.
- 14:00 – Fascinating facts about both ground and tree-dwelling anteaters.
- 16:00 – Get to know the gentle giants — the giraffes.
- 16:30 – Explore the fascinating world of Bactrian camels.
Each meeting is short but packed with interesting facts, and the timings have been thoughtfully aligned with the animals’ natural feeding times to ensure you catch them at their most active!
Additional Attractions
For those looking to explore the sprawling grounds without getting too tired, the zoo offers a free internal train, circulating every 10–15 minutes between the key areas. It’s a relaxed and scenic way to travel, and on board you can listen to audio stories about the animals and the zones you’re passing by — a perfect addition for families and curious visitors alike.
Don’t miss the chance to try ZOOLandia, the thrilling rope park within the zoo grounds. Designed especially for young adventurers, it offers courses adapted for children and teenagers. Ticket prices are reasonable too: 28 PLN for a child (ages 3–18), 10 PLN for an adult, and a group discount of 24 PLN per child for groups of at least 15 (online reservation required). Note: if the weather turns bad, ZOOLandia may close for safety reasons, so check the forecast before planning your visit!
And for an extra sprinkle of magic, the journey to the zoo can start with the beloved Maltanka Park Railway. This narrow-gauge train, operating between Rondo Śródka and the zoo, is a delightful ride offering nostalgic charm and scenic views over Lake Malta. Please remember, however, that the Maltanka ride is paid separately from zoo admission.
Practical Information
Opening Hours:
- 1–4 May: Zoo 9:00–19:00, ticket offices and some pavilions until 18:00.
- Habitual schedule:
- March, October: 9:00–17:00
- April–September: 9:00–19:00
- November–February: 9:00–16:00
Tickets:
- Weekdays (March–October): Normal 45 PLN, Reduced 30 PLN, Family 80 PLN.
- Weekends and holidays: Normal 55 PLN, Reduced 35 PLN, Family 115 PLN.
- Special holidays (e.g., 1 May): Normal 60 PLN, Reduced 40 PLN, Family 130 PLN.
- Winter season: 15 PLN per person, 35 PLN family ticket.
- Year pass: 100 PLN single person, 200 PLN family (up to 3 people).
Address: Nowe Zoo, ul. Krańcowa 81, 61-048 Poznań, Poland.
How to get there:
- Public transport: buses 184, 100, and 104 directly to the entrance.
- By train: Take the Maltanka Railway for a charming approach!
- By car: Parking available, with charges ranging from 4–6 PLN per hour depending on the day.
Important tips:
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues: click here!
- Remember: bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, and pets are not allowed inside the zoo grounds.
Why You Should Visit (Not Just During the Long Weekend!)
Poznań’s Nowe Zoo is much more than a one-time attraction — it’s a living, breathing sanctuary where nature, education, and adventure come together. Whether you’re an animal lover, a family with kids, or someone simply looking for a peaceful day surrounded by nature, the Nowe Zoo offers an experience you’ll want to return to again and again.
And with their continued efforts in wildlife conservation, including breeding endangered species and educating the public about animal welfare, every visit supports a bigger, meaningful cause.
So whether it’s the sunny long weekend of May or a regular Sunday afternoon, Poznań’s Nowe Zoo awaits you with open arms — and open gates!
