African Penguin Enclosure

The African Penguin Exhibit at the Warsaw Zoo is a biotope project carried out as part of the construction of a new pavilion for African penguins at the Antonina and Jan Żabiński Municipal Zoological Garden in Warsaw. The facility opened to the public in June 2026, and Skalisty’s scope of work included 750 m² of rock decorations and biotope elements. The project represents one of the key stages in the modernization of the capital’s zoo and the creation of modern spaces tailored to the needs of both animals and visitors.

The scope of work included the construction of rock elements and the naturalistic design of the enclosure, whose form references the natural habitat of African penguins—the rocky coasts of South Africa. The artificial rocks for the zoo were designed to contribute to the landscape of the exhibit, organize the space, and enhance the realism of the entire design. The decorations are an integral part of the biotope, not merely an ornament separate from the facility’s function.

The new pavilion includes an outdoor pool with an island, enclosures adjacent to the pool, beaches with varied surfaces, nesting areas, and a quarantine enclosure. An important element of the exhibit is a waterfall located in the central part of the enclosure and a glass wall along the pool, allowing visitors to observe the penguins not only on land but also while they swim underwater. This design enhances the educational value of the facility and allows for a better demonstration of the species’ natural behaviors.

The project required combining naturalistic rock formations with the technical requirements of a modern zoological pavilion. The decorations had to integrate with the pool layout, animal zones, visitor pathways, and the infrastructure responsible for maintaining proper water parameters. Durability, safety, moisture resistance, and the ability to withstand heavy use in a public facility were of particular importance.

The project demonstrates how large-scale biotope decorations, artificial rocks, and the thematic design of zoo enclosures can support animal welfare, educational value, and the attractiveness of the exhibits. The African penguin exhibit at the Warsaw Zoo combines a realistic depiction of the landscape, breeding requirements, and a modern approach to presenting this critically endangered species.