The great celebration for animal lovers, ZOO Festiwal 2024, is coming this March. Dozens of species – from cats, dogs, horses, sheep and ponies to capybaras, porcupines, sugar gliders, camels and praying mantises. Plus talks and lectures from experts, animal psychologists, behaviourists and vets. Fascinating displays, inspiring encounters. Two days to discover more about the fascinating world of the "spotted, shaggy, striped and winged". The festival is hosted by organiser CSMPRO.
Anyone who loves four-legged friends, feathered ones, those with pouches, the fluffy ones and those with scales simply has to visit ZOO Festiwal, which opens its doors for the second time on 9 and 10 March to all animal enthusiasts. Guests can expect two days of inspiring conversations, advice, suggestions and tips. Two days of meeting those who jump, run, fly and swim. Two days of learning from the best. And finally, two days of adventure for those who love practical – and less practical – pet accessories.
"ZOO Festiwal is a celebration for all animal lovers. We want to bring their incredible world closer to young and old alike. We want to share knowledge and experience. As last year, there'll be plenty of fascinating talks, lectures and displays. We're inviting dog trainers, behaviourists, dog therapists, animal psychologists, ornithologists and vets. Renowned pet accessory manufacturers will be joining us too. We also encourage foundations and associations that help our 'lesser brothers' in need to take part in the event" – says Wojciech Kempiński, the festival's founder and organiser. "We want everyone to be able to enjoy their time at AmberExpo, finding something for themselves, having fun, learning and meeting those it isn't easy to encounter day to day, like capybaras, sugar gliders or porcupines."
ZOO Festiwal: to learn more
Experts, trainers, coaches, behaviourists and animal psychologists are coming back to Gdańsk. Visitors will not only be able to learn from the best source everything (or almost everything) about proper animal care, nature and habits, but also take part in numerous themed displays.
Amazing talks await – Nat Zielinska, guardian of Salto the dog, will speak about communicating with dogs. Salto is a pioneer in using... speech! Thanks to voice buttons, he's revolutionising cross-species communication.
"Communicating with your dog is the foundation of a good relationship, but Nat and Salto take it to another level – their bond is truly impressive" – emphasises Małgorzata Zapadka, co-organiser of the event and, privately, a dog mum. – This year we've put together a real wealth of interesting talks for dog lovers like me. Our guests will be able to learn how to motivate a dog, raise a puppy, deal with timidity, and create a home that's safe for both children and our pets. I'm also looking forward to the canine acrobatics displays and the real dog photographer!
ZOO Festiwal: to discover
The festival is a great opportunity for children and adults alike to discover the fascinating world of fauna. The organisers have prepared a rich programme focusing on the diversity and fascinating aspects of animal life. Participants will have the chance to see many species and learn more about their life in their natural environment, behaviours, habits and needs.
Visitors will be able to explore several zones, including the terrarium zone – with exotic reptiles and amphibians; the zone dedicated to hoofed mammals – where the stars will undoubtedly be the Bactrian camel, alpacas, ponies and horses; plus zones for exotic mammals, farm animals, birds and fish.
"This will certainly be huge fun for the youngest festival-goers, but not only for them. A live encounter with parrots, tortoises, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, owls and meerkats. Plus dogs, cats, the popular Garra Rufa fish, Poitou donkeys, toucans, chameleons and even porcupines" – says Maciej Barczuk of ZOO Festiwal, privately a father and also guardian of Bruce the dog. – Time to learn, play and relax. Come to the festival with family, friends and pets! I promise there'll be no boredom.
ZOO Festiwal: to help
ZOO Festiwal encourages pro-animal organisations, including foundations and associations, to take part. For them, it's a great opportunity to showcase themselves, talk about their work, and raise awareness of volunteering and other forms of active help, such as fostering. Last year the festival hosted representatives of the Sopotkowo shelter, the Kotikowo foundation and Help4Herbs. It also supported the small Ratuj Adoptuj Pomagaj Foundation after the festival with food, toys and bedding.
ZOO Festiwal: to have fun
The event isn't just about learning. The organisers have made sure participants enjoy their time, with fun, relaxation and plenty of activities. The youngest visitors can look forward to themed entertainment, cat-face painting, games, competitions and special workshops. You'll be able to try on a beekeeper's suit, listen to stories about Precel the Dog, and even try chicken therapy! It turns out close contact with chickens – through touch, scent and sound – has a calming and relaxing effect, and for children it's a truly unique experience! There will also be pony rides, which were so popular at last year's edition.
ZOO Festiwal: for you!
This, the largest zoological exhibition in Pomerania, is aimed at a broad audience: children, adults, pet owners, hobbyists, businesses in the zoological industry, educators, foundations, associations and exhibitors.
"We hope the event becomes a permanent fixture in Pomerania's calendar of events, and over time grows into the largest event of its kind in Poland. We're finalising the programme, but we can already invite you to the cat show hosted by the Gdańskie Lwy Feline Club Association, the dog show, talks on bull terriers – a breed we believe is unfairly labelled aggressive – and falconry displays. It'llbe inspiring" – assures Wojciech Kempiński.
Among the speakers who have already confirmed their attendance at the event are Nat Zielinska of Salto&Nat, canine communication expert, falconer Marlena Koźlińska, Paweł Miłosz, dog trainer, dog behaviourist; Aleksandra Musiał, dog therapist and veterinary technician; Ada Włoch, animal psychologist, veterinary technician, Aleks Borysewicz, dog trainer and contestant on the talent show Mam Talent, and Dr Agnieszka Czujkowska, chief veterinarian at Warsaw ZOO.
To take part in ZOO Festiwal, simply buy a ticket on the event website, at biletyna.pl, or at the box office during the event
Practical information
ZOO Festiwal | 9-10 March 2024 | AmberExpo, ul. Żaglowa 11, Gdańsk
The exhibition can be visited on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Official website: www.zoofestiwal.pl
Buy tickets: www.biletyna.pl/targi/Zoofestiwal
Contact: biuro@zoofestiwal.pl
For safety reasons, please do not bring animals with you.