The $64,000 question: “Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon”? Or “asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned”? Maybe “you sing with all the voices of the mountain”? If not, it’s a sign that you spend far too little time surrounded by nature. We have a place for you where you will remedy your mistake – Forest Park Surprises located in the mountain town of Ustron, Poland.
There are plenty of attractions waiting for you in the Silesian Voivodeship. You must see them!
Forest Park Surprises in Ustron – photos
The Forest Park Surprises is an unusual zoo hidden – literally – far, far away. In this absolutely unique place you will have direct contact with wild nature. After our visit, we can guarantee you that it is a wonderful experience. The fairy-tale reserve covers an area of 15 hectares. It is a home for 30 different species of animals. Visitors can walk along a 3.5-kilometer route which is full of surprises. Check them out below.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – owl shows
Owls are animals that are difficult to meet in the natural environment. They are nocturnal, camouflage very well, can fly almost silently, and create hollow in places rarely visited by people. But probably every fan of Harry Potter or Winnie the Pooh would like to be able to come face to face with this mysterious bird at least once. The Forest Park Surprises offers such an opportunity during unique owl shows. The zoo is inhabited by: great horned owl, snowy owl, Eurasian eagle-owl, Ural owl, brown owl and barn owl. Three of them present their skills every day during performances with the “master of ceremonies”. While performing tricks, the birds literally fly above the guests’ heads. At the end, each participant has the opportunity to hold a small, cute owl and take a souvenir photo with it (a photo with Ferby in your hand costs PLN 10).
Forest Park Surprises in Ustron – bird of prey shows
We know birds of prey very well from nature programs on National Geographic. They are powerful, fast, agile and dangerous. But can they be tamed? During the flight show of birds of prey in the Forest Park Surprises, we found out that this is true. The following species live here: aguja, Bald eagle, steppe eagle, American kestrel, kestrel, saker falcon, Indian falcon, goshawk, common buzzard. Every day – just like in the case of owls – three of them impress with their agility and reflexes during live performances. The hunting spectacle in which a falconer and a hawk participated made an incredible impression on us. However, the real star for us was the majestic white-tailed eagle. After the birds of prey show ended, everyone could hold this stately giant. Cost – PLN 10, impressions – priceless.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – other attractions
Feeding animals – alpacas, deer, fallow deer, mouflons
You can only participate in owl and bird of prey shows as spectators. However, if you would like to take part in a “spectacle with audience participation”, go to an open animal enclosure or run along a forest trail. There are animals that don’t live in fenced cages or enclosures. Instead, they leisurely stroll through the park between visitors. If you don’t make sudden movements, they will definitely become friends with you. Are you curious who you can pet and feed? Colorful alpacas, agile deer, lively fallow deer, and “twisted” mouflons. Just remember not to force them into too close contact. If they give clear signs that they are not interested in spending time with you, give them a break. They really can’t complain about the lack of company, and just like people, they need to have some space, freedom and peace.
Zoo
Not all animals in the Forest Park Surprises can move freely in the unfenced area. For safety reasons, some species live in confinement. But you don’t have to worry about them, because most of them are provided with conditions very close to natural ones. Interestingly, those park residents who have a lot of space to move around often do not use it at all. This is because by resting near the fence, they can collect a lot of additional food from visitors. But that’s another story… ; ) On the park paths you will meet: bison, deer (with antlers!), wild boar, wildcat, raccoon dog, raccoon, mule, Carpathian goat, rabbit and Vietnamese pig. The only animals we would like to improve their living conditions are birds confined in small, unmaintained aviaries. We understand that in the natural environment, no one prunes their branches beautifully, serves them clean water or cleans their habitat on a regular basis. However, if the zoo decides to breed animals, in our opinion it should ensure comfortable conditions – both for the animals themselves and for the eyes of visitors.
Nature and Forest Education Center
The Nature and Forest Education Center in the Forest Park Surprises in Ustron is actually a small house located in an owlery. It is also known as the Hunting Museum. Here you will find an exhibition of animals from different continents – Europe, Africa and North America. The most impressive thing is, of course, the huge collection of antlers. In addition to animal exhibits, guests can also find educational materials.
Fairytale Alley
Fairy Tale Alley is a path along which there are small wooden houses inhabited by the heroes of our favorite childhood stories. When I write “our”, I mean people aged 30+. “The Frog King”, “The Three Little Pigs”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Hansel and Gretel” or “Puss in Boots” will certainly bring back beautiful memories. The idea of the authors of Fairytale Alley was great, but the characters inside are not doing well, and the “set design” discourages rather than encourages listening to the story. The entire project requires thorough revitalization and simple “dusting” to attract tourists.
Playground
There is also a playground for the youngest guests of the Forest Park Surprises. If we are honest, the facility is a bit worn out by time. But do kids care? Not at all. For those looking for fun, there is a zip line, batons, swings, slides, trampolines, carousels and climbing walls. Even we, adults, found something for ourselves here. We had great fun using the attraction, which is a combination of a roller coaster and a handcar (or rather footcar). Pedaling in a car resembling a frog carrying an iron cage on its back at a height of several meters was an unusual experience. Strange, but we seriously recommend it!
Forest Park Surprises Ustron – tickets
The Forest Park Surprises is great fun and unique memories at a surprisingly attractive price.
Individual tickets:
- adults – PLN 45.
- children (3-18 years old), students (up to 26 years old), retirees (over 65 years old) – PLN 35.
Tickets for school and kindergarten groups (over 20 people):
- adults – PLN 35.
- children (3-18 years) – PLN 30.
Free entry is available to: children under 3 years of age; school children on their birthday (with a document confirming the date of birth); guardians and bus drivers of groups visiting the park; people over 75 years of age; disabled people in wheelchairs; blind.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – opening hours
The Forest Park Surprises is open all year round.
- From April 1 to October 31, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- From November 1 to March 31, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Forest Park Surprises in Ustron – visiting time
- Allow at least 3 hours to visit the Forest Park Surprises.
- The owl show and bird of prey show last about 30 minutes (each).
- However, if you want to take full advantage of all the park’s attractions, be prepared for an all-day stay – especially if you take children with you.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – how to get?
Forest Park Surprises is located at Zdrojowa 16 in Ustron.
- On foot/bike. Traditionally, we encourage ecological walking and cycling trips. The walk from the center of Ustron will take about 45 minutes. You can get there by bike in about 20 minutes.
- Bus. If you take a bus, the closest stop is Ustron Zdroj – less than a 30-minute walk.
- Train. If you go here by train, get off at the Ustron Zdroj station. The journey from Katowice (without a transfer) on the Silesian Railways will take you just over 1.5 hours. From the station you will reach Zdrojowa Street in less than 30 minutes.
- Car. The Forest Park Surprises has a large, free, unguarded parking lot (parking spaces can be found in front of and next to the entrance to the attraction).
Forest Park Surprises in Ustron – tips
- It is strictly forbidden to bring your own animals into the facility.
- Disabled people in wheelchairs and blind people can benefit from free entry to the Forest Park Surprises. However, we warn you in advance that in your case, taking advantage of all the park’s attractions may prove dangerous or even impossible. The paths are quite steep and full of bends, sometimes you have to climb a bit uphill, and other times you have to use a steep descent covered with falling pebbles or slippery leaves. If you decide to visit, be careful.
- Is it inhumane to keep animals, especially birds, in a zoo? A visit to the Forest Park Surprises allowed us to look at this issue a little differently. One of the falconers mentioned that birds of prey are actually kept in aviaries, to which they… constantly return. And then we thought that either they had Stockholm syndrome, or they really felt good in a zoo. They feel safe there, have something to eat and do not have to worry about attacks by other predators. It sounds quite logical. If they were really feeling very bad, they would probably run away after the next flight and never come back. What is your opinion?
- The Forest Park Surprises is proud to have the only specimen of the aguii in Poland – a large bird from the Accipitridae family originating from South America.
- Do you also subconsciously perceive owls as exceptionally smart animals? Well, we have to disappoint you. In fact, they are not at all more intelligent than other bird species. The myth of the owl as a symbol of wisdom arose most likely due to the characteristic arrangement of feathers creating a “smiley” with prudent features. However, this does not change the fact that owls are exceptionally beautiful compared to their flying colleagues.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 9/10. This is one of the few places where feeding and petting are allowed. Walking among wild animals that are tame is a truly magical feeling. Bird flight shows and catching food in flight are very impressive. I definitely recommend visiting this place.
- Wiolczix – 8/10. Pure magic! If you are a real Pocahontas inside, the Forest Park Surprises is the place for you! 😉 It is my absolute number one among all the zoos I have visited so far. Here you will truly connect with nature. And eventually someone will eat out of your hand. ; ) Owl and bird of prey shows are a great example of cooperation between man and nature. The brilliance and reflexes of the flying performers are truly surprising. If the park made such an amazing impression on a thirty-year-old, think how much fun your child will have from the visit. Of course, there are places in the Forest Park Surprises that need to be completely vacuumed – and for these negligences I deduct 2 points. However, I rate the idea itself 10/10.
Forest Park Surprises in Ustron – frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit the Forest Park Surprises?
To take advantage of all the attractions, you should – in our opinion – spend at least 3 hours visiting the Forest Park Surprises. Purchasing a ticket entitles you to a full-day stay at the facility and this seems to be a pretty good idea. : )
What animals are in the Forest Park Surprises in Ustron?
In the Forest Park Surprises you can admire owls, birds of prey and mammals. Among the owls you will find: the great owl, the snowy owl, the European eagle owl, the Ural owl, the brown owl and the barn owl. The birds of prey include: red kite, black kite, buzzard, hawk, golden eagle, ruffed eagle, American bald eagle, Indian falcon and aguja. The group of mammals is worthily represented by: bison, deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar, wildcat, raccoon dog, raccoon, alpaca, mule, Carpathian goat, rabbit, and Vietnamese pig.
How much does a ticket to the Forest Park Surprises in Ustron cost?
Individual ticket prices to the Forest Park Surprises in Ustron range from PLN 35 (children, students, retirees) to PLN 45 (adults). School and kindergarten groups will pay from PLN 30 per person (children 3-18 years old) to PLN 35 per person (adults). Children under 3 years of age, birthday persons, group guardians, bus drivers of groups visiting the park, people over 75 years of age, disabled people in wheelchairs and blind people enter for free.
Where in Poland can you see an owl show? Where to see birds of prey in Poland? Where in Poland can you see a falconry show?
The Forest Park Surprises in Ustron offers participation in both owl shows and bird of prey shows. Professional presentations are conducted by an experienced falconer, and the animals fly in the open air, literally above the heads of the audience. The shows are unique experience for people and proof of the extraordinary skills and capabilities of birds.
Ustron – what to see?
There are many attractions worth visiting in Ustron. The most popular of them are: Forest Park Surprises, Czantoria with a cable car and a summer toboggan run, the Mineral Water Pump Room, the Ustron Museum, the Stara Zagroda Regional Museum, the “Rdzawe Diamenty” Motorcycle Museum, the Równica Mountain Park and the rope park on Równica. While in the city, it is also worth seeing the city square and amphitheater.
Forest Park Surprises – Ustron – map
The Forest Park Surprises can be found in the town of Ustron, surrounded by mountains.
