Hellabrunn Zoo
Bayern
Hellabrunn Zoo, located in Munich, Germany, spans 40 hectares along the Isar River and is renowned as the world's first Geo-Zoo, organizing animals according to their geographic origins rather than species alone. Founded in 1911 and designed by architect Emanuel von Seidl, the zoo emphasizes naturalistic, cageless enclosures often separated by moats, enhancing animal welfare and visitor experience. It houses thousands of animals representing more than 500 species, including rare and endangered animals like silvery gibbons, drills, and wood bisons. The zoo has a strong focus on conservation, captive breeding, and reintroduction programs, participating actively in European and global zoo associations. Attractions include specialized habitats such as the Elephant House, Jungle House with gorillas and chimpanzees, the Savannah House with giraffes separated only by glass, an aquarium featuring piranha feedings, and a unique bat enclosure known as "Dracula's Villa." Hellabrunn also allows visitors to bring dogs, a rarity among zoos. Its location within a protected floodplain forest with natural water features contributes to its lush environment and sustainable water supply from onsite wells. With over 1.8 million annual visitors, the zoo blends education, conservation, and immersive wildlife experiences in a historic yet modern setting.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring or early summer when animals are most active and outdoor exhibits are fully accessible. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays. The zoo offers family-friendly guided tours and special themed events. Visitors can bring dogs, but they must be leashed. The petting area in the Mühlendorf is open on weekends, holidays, and Bavarian school vacations from 10:00 to 16:00 under supervision. Check the official website for current construction updates and any temporary restrictions.
Interesting facts
- •Hellabrunn Zoo was the first zoo in the world to organize animals by geographic regions rather than species.
- •The zoo is home to over 500 species and several thousand individual animals.
- •Visitors can bring dogs on leashes, which is uncommon for zoos.
- •The Elephant House dates back to 1914 and was renovated between 2011 and 2016.
- •The zoo's location in a protected floodplain forest allows it to use its own wells for fresh water supply.
- •Hellabrunn Zoo was ranked the fourth best zoo in Europe in 2013.
- •The zoo features a unique bat enclosure called "Dracula's Villa," where bats fly freely among visitors.
History
Hellabrunn Zoo was established in 1911 after the formation of the Zoological Garden Society of Munich in 1905.
Designed by Emanuel von Seidl, it opened with a vision to create naturalistic habitats.
The zoo closed temporarily in 1922 due to economic hardship but reopened in 1928 under director Heinz Heck, who introduced the innovative Geo-Zoo concept, grouping animals by geographic origin.
It suffered extensive damage during World War II but reopened shortly after in 1945.
Over the decades, it has evolved with renovations and expansions, including the construction of the Elephant House in 1914 and the modernizing of facilities.
The zoo gained international recognition for its breeding programs and conservation efforts and remains a leading institution in Europe.
Place Guide
Elephant House1914
Built in 1914 and renovated recently, this historic building houses the zoo's elephants in a spacious, naturalistic environment designed to mimic their natural habitat.
Jungle House
A tropical indoor habitat featuring gorillas, chimpanzees, Diana monkeys, and American alligators, offering an immersive experience of jungle wildlife.
Savannah House
An exhibit where visitors are separated from giraffes by only a glass wall, allowing close-up views of these majestic animals in a savannah-like environment.
Aquarium
An aquatic exhibit featuring diverse species, including piranhas, with scheduled feeding demonstrations that educate visitors about aquatic life.
Dracula's Villa
A unique bat enclosure where bats fly freely among visitors, providing an up-close encounter with these nocturnal mammals.
Contact
Phone: 089 625080
