Zurich Zoo
Zürich
Zurich Zoo, established in 1929, is the third oldest zoo in Switzerland and is situated on the lower slopes of Zürichberg in the Fluntern quarter. Home to around 2,200 animals representing 300 species, it emphasizes naturalistic habitats and ecosystem displays rather than traditional enclosures. The zoo is internationally recognized for its Asian elephant exhibit and the Masoala Hall, a large dome housing a Madagascan rainforest environment. It was the first European zoo to successfully breed Galápagos tortoises, distributing offspring to numerous other zoos. The zoo is divided into geographic zones representing Eurasia, South America, and Africa/Madagascar, allowing animals to retreat into hidden spaces, enhancing animal welfare and visitor experience. It also engages actively in global conservation projects. The zoo is accessible by tram and bus, with some parking options, and is known for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures set on a hillside with scenic views. Zurich Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
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Astuce: Visit Zurich Zoo during spring to autumn (March to October) when the zoo and Masoala Hall have extended opening hours (9 am to 6 pm). Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues and benefit from occasional public transport discounts like the "Animal'n'Rail" offer in April. Use public transport (tram lines 6 and, from 2025, line 8) for easy access. Be prepared for some uphill walking, and check the zoo's website for current visitor information and any temporary restrictions.
Faits intéressants
- •Zurich Zoo was the first European institution to successfully breed Galápagos tortoises and has sent offspring to over two dozen other zoos.
- •In 2005, the zoo identified a new species of mouse lemur (Goodman mouse lemur) previously misclassified among lemurs from Andasibe.
- •The zoo is located on a hillside at 600 meters above sea level, offering scenic views and naturalistic enclosures.
- •The tram terminus near the zoo was renamed from Allmend Fluntern to Zoo in 1952 due to the zoo's influence.
- •The zoo is divided into geographic zones representing Eurasia, South America, and Africa/Madagascar to simulate natural ecosystems.
Histoire
Zurich Zoo's origins trace back to 1902 when Swiss-born Alfred Ilg gifted two lions to the city, though a proper zoo was not established until 1929 after the Tiergarten-Gesellschaft Zürich was founded in 1925.
The zoo opened with basic animal enclosures, including aviaries, aquariums, and a bear pit.
Over the decades, it evolved with a focus on ecosystem representation, culminating in a 1992 master plan to double the zoo's area by 2020 while maintaining species numbers and improving habitats.
Notable directors include zoologist Heini Hediger (1954–1973).
The zoo has continuously expanded and modernized, balancing animal welfare with visitor engagement.
Guide du lieu
Masoala HallOpened in 2003
A large dome housing a Madagascan rainforest ecosystem with tropical plants and animals, offering an immersive experience of this unique habitat.
Asian Elephant Exhibit
A spacious habitat designed to meet the needs of the Asian elephants, showcasing their natural behaviors and social structures.
Pantanal Aviary
A large aviary simulating the Pantanal wetlands ecosystem of South America, home to diverse bird species and aquatic life.
Contact
Téléphone: 044 254 25 00