The Best Zoos in Germany for a Fun Family Outing
Zoos have been among the most popular family destinations for centuries. They give both adults and children the chance to bond with nature and observe a vast diversity of animals up close. While most cities in Germany have a zoo, some stand out due to their unique offers. Let’s take a look.
1. Berlin Zoological Garden
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2. Duisburg Zoo
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Almost 300 species of creatures call Duisburg Zoo their home, which can be observed in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. However, Duisburg Zoo’s biggest selling point is the fact that it houses the largest dolphinarium in Germany. Four times every day, hundreds of spectators gather in a tiered stadium to witness bottle-nosed dolphins pull off amazing tricks with ease. Also, the zoo breeds fossas, a rare and exotic animal from Madagascar. Additionally, it is one of the very few zoos in Germany where you get to see koala bears.
3. Hellabrunn Zoo, Munich
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5. Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten, Stuttgart
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The uniqueness of Wilhelma Zoologisch-Botanischer Garten in Stuttgart lies in the fact that it is the only combined zoo and botanical garden in Europe, and houses animals, birds and reptiles across approximately 1000 species—among the highest number in the world. On the other hand, the beautiful Wilhelma Botanical Garden invites you to feast your eyes on around 7000 species of plants and the biggest magnolia grove in the continent.
6. Tierpark Hagenbeck, Hamburg
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Hamburg Zoo is not only Germany’s first private zoo, but also the first ‘modern zoo’ in the world, housing animals in open enclosures without cages, separating them from visitors with ditches and natural barriers. Today, hundreds of thousands of zoos all over the world replicate this layout. Hamburg Zoo houses 1850 creatures (including one of the biggest elephant herds in the world) from five continents in an environment that closely resembles their wild habitats. In addition, the zoo offers pony rides, a mini train that chugs through the park, a playground, a petting zoo and a fascinating diversity of plants. Visitors are also welcome to try their hand at feeding some of the animals.
7. Allwetterzoo Münster
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8. ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
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ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen is among the most modern zoos in Europe. The entrance is modeled after a Westphalian farm, and has a petting zoo, a playground and a shop. It operates three safari areas: Alaska, Afrika and Asien. Each section has been carefully designed to resemble its respective geographic region and houses rare and exotic creatures from various continents.
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