To visit the city of Grodno and not visit the local zoo is a real crime. Today, the Grodno Zoo is considered the oldest and most interesting in all of Belarus. On an area of ββ5 hectares with comfort, in conditions as close to natural as possible, a wide variety of animals are kept. Visiting this place will be interesting for both adults and children.
The history of the foundation of the zoo in Grodno
At the male gymnasium named after Adam Mickiewicz there was a Society of nature lovers. In 1925, this organization achieved the opening of the Botanical Garden in the adjacent park, today it is a park named after Zhibiber. A couple of years after the creation of the training green zone, its own zoo corner appeared. It is believed that the first animal was an ordinary black beaver, which Kokhanovsky personally delivered from Lunno to the zoo. In the first years of its existence, the Grodno Zoo boasted a collection of 17 species of animals "exhibits." For educational purposes, the zoo began to be visited not only by gymnasium students, but also by their peers studying in other institutions. In 1930, the zoo found its permanent residence permit. All animals from it were transported to a specially equipped site, the zoo is located at this address today. Around 1935, the status of the organization was changed. Since then, a fee has been charged for entering the territory, and anyone can visit the animal park. All this time the zoo developed, its territory gradually increased, and new animals appeared. In 1936 in total there were about 400 individuals of various species.
Zoo during the Second World War
The war years are a dark spot on the history of the zoo in Grodno. The territory itself was severely damaged, many buildings were destroyed, animals died, some of the most valuable individuals were transported to the Konigsberg Zoo. Jan Kokhanovsky, one of the organizers of the Grodno Zoo, also suffered during the war. He was arrested along with another 99 representatives of intelligent sections of society. When local residents turned to the head of the Gestapo with a request to release the prisoners, he said that he intends to shoot 25 people out of hundreds of detainees, and release the rest. Among those sentenced to death was Jozef Veuvursky, a teacher and father of six children. In addition, he was a close friend of Kokhanovsky, and then Jan offered his life in exchange for the release of this man. The founder of the zoo was shot in the summer of 1942. The Grodno Zoo during the German occupation was almost completely destroyed. In 1944, Soviet troops liberated the city, but on the site of a once-blooming animal park, only gloomy ruins awaited them. The zoo begins its new history in December 1944. At that time, a new director was selected, the territory and construction materials were allocated, and the first animals appeared - two donkeys.
Recovery and reconstruction
Already at the end of 1946, the Grodno Zoo again became an interesting place for city residents and tourists. At that time, one could see deer, donkeys, foxes, brown bears, wolves, camels, wild boars, peacocks, ostriches and many other animals. Gradually landscaped area, rebuilt all the buildings. The official opening took place on September 28, 1946. At the same time, the institution was allocated as much as 5 hectares of land, which outlined real prospects for the development of an animal park.
The zoo in Grodno today
During the USSR, the zoo was developing steadily, but in the years of perestroika, decline and devastation typical of its period was noticeable. Large-scale reconstruction was carried out in 2002. Thanks to the repair and the noticeable improvement of the territory, the Grodno Zoo took its modern look. Today, on its territory you can see modern comfortable aviaries, a large terrarium, the contact zone "Grandmaβs courtyard", where animals can be stroked and fed. There are enough benches for visitors here, cafes and restaurants, attractions for children, shops, among which there is a real pet shop where you can choose a pet for yourself.
Useful information for tourists
Today the zoo in Grodno is the largest in all of Belarus. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the main railway station of the city, the exact address is: Timiryazev Street, possession 11. The cost of a children's admission ticket is $ 2, and an adult - $ 4, kids under the age of 6 can visit the Grodno Zoo for free. Organization work hours: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, without days off and holidays. Caution: animals must not be fed and photographed with a flash.
Grodno Zoo: photos and reviews
The Grodno Animal Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions and a favorite place for locals to walk. Children of all ages are delighted with his visit, because here you can not only look at exotic animals, but also pet some of them in the contact mini-zoo and ride a wagon or a children's train. A large territory, a sufficient number of restaurants and cafes, as well as relaxation areas make this place excellent for a family walk for the whole day. What is important, all guests of the zoo in their reviews say that he simply does not have minuses. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit this place - positive emotions are guaranteed!