He began rearing pigs in the zoo’s ruins and smuggled the meat to his Jewish friends in Warsaw Ghetto.Īlso, he smuggled people out of the ghetto and provided temporary shelter for them until they could have a safe passage to the organized hideout on Warsaw’s Aryan side. Jan used his position as an opportunity to lend a helping hand to his Jewish friends. And with his new position, he was able to rescue the Jews.Īs a municipal employee, Jan has unrestricted access to the Warsaw Ghetto, where he saw the Jewish community’s horrible living conditions. He became the superintendent of Warsaw’s public parks. Even before the war, Jan Żabiński was an activist and continued this even after the invasion. They used their position to save many lives. However, all these happenings didn’t deter Jan and Antonina from rendering humanitarian services – an act that will be remembered till eternity. Sadly, the Zookeepers were helpless and had no other choice than to witness the gruesome killing of their beloved animals. The remaining animals served as a perfect meat source for both locals and the German military.

The first Polish-born elephant, Tuzinka, was transported to Konigsberg Zoo. Some of the surviving animals, which the Nazis deemed invaluable, were rounded up and shot dead, while those animals that are considered useful were captured and transported to a German reserve, located right next to Berlin. Most animals couldn’t survive the bombings. The zoo was destroyed during the Second World War. The zoo was a thriving spot for locals until WWII when the Nazis took over Poland. Artists, entertainers, and musicians visit the zoo regularly for some inspiration. The zoo owners connected closely with the local community, opening its doors for concerts. Not only that, but they both also love impressive pieces of artwork. Injured animals were adequately cared for. Jan and Antonina were passionate about taking care of animals. It grew in popularity in 1937 when the first Polish-born elephant named, Tuzinka, was introduced. The zoo saw thousands of visitors from different parts of the country who come to explore the exotic animals sheltered here. As at the time of appointment, the pair never knew they would become the all-time most celebrated directors of the Warsaw Zoological garden. It all started when the zoo appointed a new director in 1928, Zoologist Jan Żabiński and his wife, Antonina. The zookeeper opened the door of its residential villa to many Jewish individuals and families, and its empty animal shelters served as the perfect hiding place for its ‘illegal’ residents. During the Second World War, the zoo provided shelter to more than 300 Jewish people who sought refuge away from the inhumane living conditions they were subjected to by the Nazis. Tourists visiting Warsaw Zoo today may not be aware of its historical significance.

The zoo is also home to a sophisticated elephant house, renowned for being one of Europe’s best. Spanning across 40 hectares, visitors can observe the wildlife creatures a safe distance away from them. The zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Warsaw, not just for its extensive collection of animal species, but also for the significant part it played in WWII when the zookeepers saved hundreds of Jewish lives.įounded in 1928, Warsaw Zoo provides shelter for about 5,000 animals belonging to 500 different species. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip to the fantastic world of wildlife creatures. One of the most prominent is the Warsaw Zoo. Poland has so many lovely zoos, leaving visitors spoilt for choice.

Warsow pigs