Born in 1943 in Krakow, Simona Kossak overcame a difficult childhood to find her true calling among animals. Rejected by her family for not fitting their artistic expectations, she discovered her passion studying biology at Jagiellonian University and later in the Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last primeval forests. There, she dedicated herself to understanding wildlife, crafting scientific works that reflected her deep knowledge and empathy for the animal world.
Simona’s life was anything but ordinary. She shared her forest home with Lech Wilczek, a nature photographer, and an extraordinary menagerie: a clever raven named Korasik, a wild sow called Żabka, twin moose, a peacock, and even a lynx that visited regularly. Her household blurred the line between human and animal, filled with mischief, laughter, and remarkable intelligence. Korasik, the thieving raven, became legendary for snatching shiny objects and returning them only when Simona or her father intervened, showcasing her unique bond with animals built on respect and understanding.
Her connection with wildlife went deeper than companionship. Roe deer would guide her safely through the forest, trusting her instincts as if she were one of them. Simona’s profound ability to coexist with and understand animals earned her recognition as a zoopsychologist, and she spent 35 years living in harmony with nature, observing, learning, and sharing her insights with the world.
Simona Kossak’s story is a rare mix of humor, wonder, and scientific dedication, a life where intelligence met heart, and curiosity transformed into empathy. She showed that understanding and respecting the natural world can create bonds that transcend species, teaching us how to live with compassion, patience, and joy.
Her legacy remains an inspiration: a reminder that true connection—whether with humans or animals—comes from attention, respect, and a willingness to see the world through another’s eyes. Simona didn’t just study animals; she became a part of their world, leaving behind a story of wonder, dedication, and extraordinary harmony with nature.