New Zoo (Nowe Zoo)

The New Zoo (Nowe Zoo) is a large forest zoo on the eastern edge of Poznań, spread across roughly 120 hectares of woodland, ponds and a man-made stream. It houses over 2,000 animals of nearly 350 species, and its scale and natural, park-like layout make it a full day out rather than a quick loop, which is why families and animal lovers keep coming back.

With nearly 350 species kept over some 120 hectares, the New Zoo feels more like walking through managed forest than a compact city zoo. Paths wind past ponds and a man-made stream, so the animals are spread out and distances between enclosures are real. The landmark here is the Elephant Pavilion, built in 2008, which anchors a visit and gives you a fixed point to aim for. Because the grounds are so large, comfortable shoes and a rough plan of what you most want to see both help.

The New Zoo opened to the public in 1974 after seven years of construction, and it has grown into one of the largest zoos in Poland. Rather than replacing the older site, it works alongside it: together with the Old Zoo it forms Poznań's single Zoological Garden under one institution. That pairing means the city runs two contrasting zoo experiences, the compact historic one closer to town and this sprawling forest site to the east.

The zoo sits in the Biała Góra area, east of the centre near Lake Malta, and part of its appeal is how you arrive. In season, the narrow-gauge Maltanka railway runs from the Lake Malta shore towards the zoo, turning the journey into part of the outing, especially for children. The railway is seasonal, so check current operating dates before relying on it, and have a normal public-transport or car route as a backup outside the summer months.

The New Zoo pairs naturally with a day around Lake Malta, where the railway starts and where there is space to walk, so you can combine the two without crossing the city twice. It suits travellers who want a slower, outdoor half or full day away from the market square, and it works well with children who need room to move. For ideas on the rest of the city, see our Poznań guide.