Zoo Zürich, Zurich (must see)

Zoo Zürich, situated in a picturesque area on Zurichberg Street (Zürichbergstrasse) in the Fluntern district of Zurich, showcases the lasting charm and educational importance of zoos in Europe. Established in 1929, it has become one of the top zoos on the continent, known for its diverse animal collection and conservation efforts. As the third oldest zoo in Switzerland, after Basel and Arth-Goldau, Zoo Zürich has a rich history and houses around 2,200 animals of 300 species on its seventy-fifth anniversary.

Located on the lower slopes of Zürichberg, the zoo is popular among locals and tourists for its variety of animals and its focus on providing educational experiences. The penguin parade, held daily afternoon when temperatures drop below ten degrees Celsius, is a particularly cherished tradition allowing visitors to see the charming birds up close.

Led by directors like Heini Hediger, and more recently, Severin Dressen, Zoo Zürich has expanded its attractions, including notable exhibits like the Asian elephant enclosure and the Masoala Hall, which offers underwater views of elephants.

The zoo has also made significant contributions to conservation, notably being the first European institution to successfully breed Galápagos tortoises. In 2005, it identified a new species, the Goodman mouse lemur, highlighting its role in scientific discovery.

Zoo Zürich represents the multifaceted nature of modern zoos, blending education, conservation, and entertainment, and remains an essential destination for animal enthusiasts, conservationists, and the curious, adapting to the challenges of the 21st century.

Why You Should Visit:
The impressive size of most of the enclosures, a pretty good selection of animals, and some very nice settings where you can see the animals close up without cages.
The Masoala Regenwald is a true highlight offering an enclosed rainforest hothouse with a vast number of birds and wildlife at a temperature of 27-33 ℃.

Tip:
Buy tickets online to beat the queues; also make sure to plan your tour around the many activities they have – like feeding or riding the animals.
If you want to save money bring your own food, as there are lots of picnic places to sit and eat.