Tips for your visit
Our Zoo covers an area of around 13 hectares and offers visitors of all ages a fun, relaxing and truly wild day out. Whether you are visiting the zoo alone, with the family or in a group, your day is sure to be fun-filled and full of adventure. The zoo is home to over 1,070 animals living in modern enclosures that are designed to provide as natural a habitat as possible.
The new Orangutan House has been open to visitors since 18 June. A whole new animal experience awaits zoo visitors in the new Orangutan House, and the orangutans themselves now have significantly more space, climbing opportunities, retreat areas and activity islands at their disposal. Orangutans are forest dwellers that live almost exclusively in the trees of the tropical rainforest. The concept of the largest building project in our zoo's history to date takes these needs into account. The orangutans can now reach lofty heights in their new outdoor enclosure: from the crowns of their climbing trees, the animals can see as far as the neighbouring Grand Garden. The Aldabra giant tortoises too have finally been given a winter home that is visible to visitors, and can therefore be seen all year round. We also recommend the accompanying exhibition, where zoo visitors of all ages can learn about the fragile and highly endangered ecosystem of the tropical rainforest and follow the orangutans into the treetops of Sumatra.
Another highlight during the summer months is the walk-through ring-tailed lemur island. When the weather is good, the lemurs can be seen out and about all over the island and visitors can experience the animals up close. The walk-in flamingo aviary is also well worth a visit. Currently, for the first time since its opening in 2020, there are offspring to be discovered among the American flamingos and scarlet ibises.
At the giraffe enclosure you can discover our Kordofan giraffes and zebras from the headland that extends far into the enclosure, while up on the observation tower you can see eye-to-eye with these stately animals.
We have a total of five animal houses offering zoological discoveries for all ages, whatever the weather. We particularly recommend a visit to Prof. Brandes House, where you will not only see our koalas, but also a wide variety of endangered species such as woolly monkeys and our false gharial. You will also meet our two-toed sloths as they roam freely above visitors’ heads, as well as the guerezas which feature on the zoo’s logo. A peek inside the Africa house, which reopened in 2018, is also well worth it. In addition to our African elephants and mandrills, here you can also visit our naked mole-rats, which, aside from having many unique characteristics, are also rarely seen in zoos. The outdoor elephant enclosure was expanded in the summer of 2021 and offers our four African elephants more space and comfort, and visitors new viewing opportunities.
You can find more information about our animals and enclosures here: Go to zoo tour
General information
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted inside the Zoo. The smell of dogs can cause many zoo animals distress, as dogs are one of their predators. Some visitors, especially children, are also wary of dogs.
Assistance dogs are excluded from this rule (provided that an ID card can be produced and the dog is clearly identifiable as an assistance dog, for example with a yellow jacket or a clearly marked harness).
Baggage storage
Lockers are available in the foyer for small items of baggage (e.g. tote bags, handbags). You can hire a key at our information desk for 1.00 euro (plus a 10 euro deposit). Individual suitcases can be deposited at our information desk free of charge.
Unfortunately it is not possible to reserve baggage storage in advance.
For young visitors
Kiddie transport
You can hire a handcart for 2.00 euros at our ticket office so that you can enjoy a fun and relaxing stroll through the zoo. For a 20 euro deposit, you can obtain a special chip at our ticket office which allows you to release the handcarts. Handcarts cannot be reserved in advance.
Please note that balance bikes, skateboards, scooters, throw toys and balloons are not permitted inside the Zoo. Please leave recreational mobility devices in the car or lock them up outside.
Playgrounds & Zoo Kasper
Our young visitors can enjoy lots of playgrounds for running about, climbing and swinging, as well as the exciting performances of our zoo’s very own puppet Kasper (free of charge).
Baby changing facilities
Baby changing tables are available in the sanitary facilities at the entrance and exit, as well as at the Penguin Café. Nappies are also supplied free of charge by our partner “dm-Drogeriemarkt”.
Breastfeeding
If you would like a more secluded place to breastfeed, there is seating available on the first floor of the foyer. Simply take the stairs located next to the information desk. There is also a visitor-accessible island next to the main entrance of the Prof. Brandes house, which is densely planted and therefore affords greater privacy. It is also usually quieter in the rosarium and on the upper floor of the Giraffe House
Enclosures and facilities
We give especially high priority to visibility for visitors of all ages in our enclosure design. Full-length windows, special views and hidden paths for children encourage their curiosity and make exploration fun.