Wrocław Zoo will open its new Lion House, home to three South African lions—a male from Denmark and two females from France. The facility, which will be opened to the public on August 9, represents a significant milestone for the zoo.
The Lion and Meerkat Pavilion, Wrocław Zoo’s largest investment this year at nearly 11.5 million PLN, spans 3300 square meters. Located near the zoo’s main entrance, this year-round facility allows visitors to view the lions even in winter.
Meet the New Lions
The new residents include Togo, a male lion born on January 2, 2022, who arrived from Givskud Zoo in Denmark, and two three-year-old lionesses, Wanja and Malkia, from Zoo African Safari Plaisance du Touch in France. These lions were brought to Wrocław Zoo to form a new breeding group, ensuring genetic diversity and healthy offspring under the guidance of the species coordinator from Givskud Zoo.
These lions belong to the South African subspecies, Panthera leo melanochaita, found in eastern and southern Africa. This classification contrasts with Panthera leo leo, the northern African subspecies found in central and western Africa. Modern genetic studies have refined these classifications from 11 subspecies to two main groups.
Senior Lioness Okavango
Okavango, an elderly lioness, has been relocated to an enclosure near the tigers during construction and will not join the new pride due to concerns about her health and stress from potential transport. She has adapted well to her new environment.
Meerkat Companions
Sharing the space with the lions is a family of meerkats (Suricata suricatta), consisting of three males from Magdeburg Zoo and a female from Landau Zoo. These nearly year-old meerkats arrived on August 1 and are expected to form a cohesive group quickly. They can be observed both through glass and in their outdoor enclosure.
Advanced Facilities
The Lion House boasts modern amenities designed for the specific needs of lions and meerkats. The new enclosure is larger and features extensive safety measures and glass panels for close-up viewing. Heated rocks near the windows encourage the lions to relax in view of visitors, while the spacious design caters to their natural curiosity.
The facility’s sponsor, Toyota Dobrygowski, provided enrichment items, including a large ball. The outdoor area features trees for shade and automated waterers. Inside, three comfortable pavilions with heated rocks and a large viewing window allow for year-round observation.
Innovative Design and Architecture
The Lion House complex includes four boxes, each with its own external “garden,” allowing for flexible configurations and safe animal separation when necessary. The design, inspired by an African village, features round pavilions with thatched roofs and ochre-colored decorations. African motifs and numerous plantings enhance the educational experience for visitors and school groups.
To maintain aesthetic consistency, the facade of the old Lion House—originally an entrance hall for a 1948 exhibition cinema—has been renovated. Now a protected monument, this building retains its historical significance.
The new Lion House at Wrocław Zoo offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors while providing a state-of-the-art habitat for its majestic lions.