Tiergarten Nürnberg (Nuremberg Zoo), Nuremberg

Nuremberg Zoo is located in the southeast of Nuremberg, within the scenic Imperial Forest (Reichswald). Covering an extensive area of 67 hectares (170 acres), it is one of the largest zoos in Europe, renowned for its vast, naturalistic enclosures.

The concept of a zoo in Nuremberg dates back to the Middle Ages, hinted at by local place names such as Zoo Gate (Tiergärtner Tor) and Zoo Square (Tiergärtnertorplatz). The first official zoo was established on May 11, 1912, coinciding with the Bavarian State Exhibition at Luitpoldhain. However, the original site was repurposed for the Nazi party rally grounds during the Third Reich, necessitating the zoo's relocation to its current location in 1939. The zoo was largely destroyed during World War II and underwent extensive reconstruction in the late 1950s.

Today, Nuremberg Zoo is home to about 300 different animal species. It is particularly noted for its large, immersive habitats set against a backdrop of forests and former stone pits. The zoo attracts over a million visitors annually, featuring modern enclosures for species such as gorillas, snow leopards, polar bears, Asiatic lions, and Siberian tigers. Its aquatic section boasts common bottlenose dolphins, Indian rhinoceroses, Malayan tapirs, and manatees, while numerous hooved mammals roam expansive forested enclosures.

Nuremberg Zoo is active in various conservation efforts and has achieved notable success in breeding programs for endangered species, including South African cheetahs and maned wolves. Educational programs and interactive exhibits aim to raise visitor awareness about wildlife conservation.

The zoo also contributes culturally with installations like "The Polar Bear Group" and "The Tree of Life," bronze sculptures by Josef Tabachnyk. These artworks not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the zoo but also enrich the visitor experience with their symbolic representations of nature and wildlife.

Among its most famous residents was Flocke, a polar bear born in the zoo in 2007, who gained international attention after being hand-raised. The zoo's commitment to providing a naturalistic environment for its inhabitants and its role in international conservation initiatives make it a key cultural and ecological asset to Nuremberg and beyond.

Why You Should Visit:
Not too big but well thought out, this zoo is fairly priced and great to wander around. Grab a beer and escape from the city for a bit! Good facilities and several picnic areas. You can easily spend a day here.

Tip:
Some of the queues for entrance take cards and some don't; the ones that don't are much shorter, so join those if you can.