As the calendar turns to May, the Opole Zoo is set to unveil exciting new features aimed at enhancing visitor experience. Starting May 1, 2025, the zoo will extend its opening hours, allowing guests to explore the animal kingdom from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. One of the most anticipated additions is a new relaxation zone, which will be situated near the snow panther enclosure. This area will be transformed into a chill-out space, complete with hammocks and spots for picnic blankets, providing a tranquil environment for visitors to unwind amidst nature.
According to Aleksandra Czechowska, the director of the Opole Zoo, the initiative aims to create a setting where guests can not only admire the animals but also take a breather and stroll leisurely through the grounds. "We want the zoo to be a place where people can relax, not just rush through to see the animals," Czechowska stated. The relaxation zone follows a successful Easter event where large eggs were painted by children in the same area, showcasing the zoo's commitment to engaging the community.
In addition to the relaxation zone, visitors will have the opportunity to purchase picnic baskets filled with delightful treats, making it easier to enjoy a meal in the serene surroundings. The zoo's efforts reflect a broader trend in zoological parks to create more interactive and enjoyable experiences for families.
Meanwhile, the Opole Zoo is also buzzing with excitement over the recent birth of tiger triplets, who were born in August 2023. The three brothers, named Odrus, Odraj, and Odris, have distinct personalities that have emerged since their birth. Odrus and Odraj are described as playful rascals, constantly getting into mischief, while Odris tends to be more reserved and prefers to observe his brothers from a distance.
Maciej Kempa, the head of the large cats section at the zoo, shared insights into the triplets' playful nature. "They love swimming and playing with balls, just like children at the beach. They swim with their balls, submerge them, and then retrieve them, which is their favorite pastime," Kempa noted. This playful behavior is a testament to the enriching environment provided by the zoo.
As the triplets grow, they have been separated from their mother to avoid any potential accidents, as female tigers typically wean their young around two years of age. "We have isolated the tigers from their mother to prevent any incidents, but they still see each other through bars," Kempa explained. Each of the male tigers now weighs over 200 kilograms, with adult tigers reaching up to 300 kilograms. In captivity, they can live up to 20-25 years, enjoying comfortable conditions and continuous medical care.
In a significant development, it has been announced that two of the brothers will be moving to new homes in May 2025. One brother will head to ZooParc Overloon in the Netherlands, while the other will go to ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen in Germany. The third brother, Odraj, will remain at the Opole Zoo for the time being. "We are preparing both the tigers and ourselves for this separation. They are at an age where they should be independent," Czechowska stated, acknowledging the emotional connections that staff have developed with the animals.
The logistics of transporting the large tigers are complex and require meticulous planning. Kempa highlighted the challenges involved, stating, "Transporting 200-kilogram tigers into crates will not be easy. We plan to train them for this process, but we may need to consider sedation if necessary." The experience of transporting their father, Diego, to Opole from Krakow in 2021 was a significant undertaking, requiring a forklift to move the heavy crate.
Diego, the father of the triplets, has been a part of the Opole Zoo since 2021, while their mother, Uma, joined him in 2022 after living in a Czech zoo. The couple's successful breeding has made the zoo proud, especially given that the birth of three Amur tiger cubs is a rare occurrence in captivity. Kempa remarked, "I don't know of any other case in the country where such a large litter of Amur tigers has been born. Typically, one or two cubs are born in a litter, while females in the wild usually have three to four cubs."
The zoo is also keen on future breeding opportunities, as the genetic value of the triplets is significant. "We believe there may be more cubs in the future from Uma and Diego," Kempa added, hinting at the potential for continued success in their breeding program. As preparations for the upcoming changes at the zoo unfold, both staff and visitors are looking forward to a summer filled with new experiences and adventures at the Opole Zoo.
