The Zurich Zoo is one of the most important wildlife reserves in Europe. The main attraction of this zoo is the chance to see various ecosystems and landscapes from different parts of the world.
The Zurich Zoo
The Zurich Zoo dates back to 1925 when the “Friends of Animals of Zurich” association opened the park Tiergarten-Gesellschaft. However, it wasn’t until 1929 that this venue became a fully operational zoo.
It holds the record for the highest attendance at the opening of a park, with over 20,835 visitors.
Initially, it consisted of an aquarium, an aviary, and a terrarium. The zoo featured a significant variety of mammals from different parts of the world. Today, it spans fifteen hectares, although plans are in place to expand the zoo to a total of thirty-three hectares.
With around three hundred and sixty species, the Zurich Zoo is home to exotic and endangered animals. It also houses a large number of animals native to Switzerland.
Activities for the General Public
Throughout the year, the Zurich Zoo organizes special activities for the general public, aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of the zoo’s animals. Additionally, it offers exhibitions in German and free entry to some of these activities and exhibits.
Animal Species Organized by Habitats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMUMGl5LOw
Each family of animals is organized by habitat, making it easy for visitors to explore and learn about each unique ecosystem.
For anyone visiting Zurich, the zoo is a wonderful place to see animals in settings designed to reflect their natural habitats, which enhances the experience of both learning and enjoyment.
The Aquarium
A place where you can observe over seven hundred fish of all sizes and colors. With such a variety of aquatic animals, the Zurich Zoo has eight pools, each one serving as a habitat for different species.
The penguins are also housed here, and they’re typically a big favorite with children.
The Mongolian Steppe
This is the natural habitat of the Bactrian camels, one of the two species that can still be found in Europe. In this area, you can also see domesticated yaks, animals native to Central Asia and the Himalayas.
Another unique species in this steppe habitat is the cashmere goat, known for its special wool. This wool is rare, exotic, and difficult to obtain.
The Pantanal
With a climate similar to that of the South American tropics, this habitat houses squirrel monkeys, capybaras, anteaters, and a wide variety of other mammals and birds from this unique region.
This area is filled with exotic animals that will amaze you.
The Masoala Rainforest
Also called the Rainforest, this is a conservation project in which the Zurich Zoo aims to protect and preserve certain species. This greenhouse is entirely dedicated to the Masoala jungle.
The goal is to raise public awareness of the ecological and appropriate use of this environment. It also illustrates the relationship between the diversity of species and the unusual habitats they depend on.
This forest is the zoo’s main attraction, as it represents so much in terms of conservation and learning.
The infrastructure is impressive, featuring a top-notch climate control system to warm the air, with extractors that circulate oxygen. For additional heating, a wood chip system is used to warm the air and produce CO2.
They also have a heat recovery system that helps ration the use of wood. The forest roof spans 14,000 square meters and is made of transparent plastic to allow natural light into the ecosystem.
This material has three layers to provide thermal insulation. The outer layer of the roof is specially designed to protect it from hail damage. This forest hosts a rich diversity of plants and animals, with over forty-eight species of vertebrates and around three hundred individual animals.
Visitors can observe these species up close, with no fences or barriers as they walk along each path.
Beyond the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, visitors can follow a trail that leads through a small waterfall, ponds, and streams, adding to the immersive experience.
Two percent of the revenue from sales at the Masoala store and restaurant, along with donations from the society, is directed toward the Masoala rainforest in Madagascar.
Elephant Park
This area is dedicated exclusively to pachyderms. These large animals can be observed within a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment. Visitors can see the entire elephant family going about their daily routines.
The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict caused by illegal elephant hunting.
Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand spans over 3,000 square kilometers and is the country’s largest conservation area, home to more than two hundred wild elephants.
Zoolino, the Children’s Zoo
Zoolino is a petting zoo designed for young visitors, where you’ll find domestic animals that can be fed by guests.
Among the animals here are rabbits, pygmy goats, pigs, and other farm animals. Most of these animals are also open to being petted, and one of Zoolino’s most popular attractions is pony rides.
Useful Information
The Zurich Zoo ranks as one of Europe’s best zoos.
It holds third place globally, following the Vienna and Leipzig zoos.
This ranking reflects several factors that assess a zoo’s quality, including visitor numbers, variety of species, economic factors, organization, breeding and care of species in the facility, employee count, and the number of species under protection, among other aspects.
Zurich Zoo Admission Prices
The admission price is categorized as follows:
- Adults: 26 Swiss francs.
- Visitors aged 16 to 25: 19 Swiss francs.
- Children aged 6 to 15: 13 Swiss francs.
- Children under 8: Free admission.
Opening Hours
The zoo is open to the public every day of the year.
From March through October, the zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For visitors, the Zurich Zoo is a wonderful year-round attraction, with seasonal variations in opening hours to enhance the experience based on daylight and weather.
From November to February, the zoo’s hours are reduced to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How to Get to Zurich Zoo
The zoo is located on Zurichberg Hill. You can get there easily using public transportation. Head to the central train station and take tram number 6, which will take you directly to the Zoo station.
If you’re near the lake, you can take tram number 5 at Bellevueplatz and ride to the Flutern Kirche station, then transfer to tram number 6 and ride to the zoo.
The best way to get there is by using public transportation, which can even be free with the Zurich Card (you can purchase it here). With the Zurich Card, you can enjoy:
- Unlimited use of public transportation
- Free or discounted entry to 20 museums
- A complimentary boat ride on the lake
- Discounts in stores and on various activities
Can You Bring Food? Where to Eat?
The zoo has a restaurant and café area within its facilities.
Among the zoo’s dining options, you’ll find the Pantala Restaurant, which, in addition to its food services, has a playground area for young children. Kids can enjoy activities like playing, jumping, and running while families dine.
Another restaurant you’ll find here is Masoala, where you can enjoy international cuisine alongside Swiss specialties.
You may also bring fruit from the restaurant to offer the animals in designated areas where feeding is permitted.
The Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger are just a couple of the exotic species you’ll encounter at Zurich Zoo.
If you’re planning a visit to Zurich for your next vacation, this is one park you won’t want to miss during your stay. With its extensive habitats and focus on conservation, it’s a great destination for learning and enjoyment alike.