Zoo Zürich

Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221

Postal code: 8044

City: Zürich

Telephone: +41 848 966 983

Website: https://www.zoo.ch

Information

Philosophy
The Zoo – a Zurich cultural institution – serves as an ambassador and mediator between people,
animals and nature. In appealing to broad segments of the population with an attractive, fascinating
programme, the Zoo Zurich also contributes to the preservation of biological diversity. The Zoo
Zurich develops its activities from a basis of sound, innovative management and sustainable, future-
oriented funding. We rely especially on the broad public interest in our attractive zoo, taking
advantage of increasingly close co-operation within the global network of zoological gardens.
Goals and objectives
Developing the zoo into a nature conservation centre: By encouraging the active involvement of
visitors in the living world of animals, the Zoo Zurich promotes better understanding of natural
phenomena and a greater appreciation for the role of zoos in today’s world. By fostering greater
awareness of the needs of plants and animals in the business community and amongst the general
public, the Zoo makes a significant contribution to nature conservation and its own progress as it
develops into a nature preserve.
We are working today to better the lives of animals in tomorrow’s world: The Zoo Zurich makes a
major contribution to nature conservation. Both in Switzerland and abroad, the Zoo provides support
and guidance for programmes devoted to species preservation and habitat protection. In the field of
zoological research, the Zoo Zurich works closely with an international network of universities –
especially the University of Zurich – and zoological gardens.
Those who know about animals protect animals: The Zoo Zurich pursues a proactive communication
policy designed to arouse curiosity. Visitors become closely acquainted with our animals as they
experience the world of the Zoo. In this way, the Zoo encourages visitors to actively support nature
conservation.
Development
The Zoo Zurich has changed considerably over the past ten to fifteen years. Classical forms of
keeping animals have given way to settings designed to imitate natural habitats. In these exhibits we
offer visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of different natural
habitats and experience how animals live in them.
The zoological specialities of the Zoo Zurich include its elephant breeding group, the anthropoid
apes, the animals of South America and the Himalayan region. The Zoolino, a combination zoo and
playground for children was opened in 2002, making the Zoo Zurich one of the most popular
attractions in Switzerland.

The Masoala Rain Forest, a unique co-operative project devoted to preservation of the diverse
species of Madagascar, was opened in late June 2003. The core of the project is our collaboration
with the Masoala National Park in Madagascar. The Masoala Rain Forest was designed as a
replica of this unique Madagascan landscape. Visitors can stroll through this exotic paradise on
unfenced paths, passing brooks, lakes and a six-metre-high waterfall along their way. At present, 45
species of vertebrates can be observed in the dense forest of 17,000 plants and at the Information
Centre – including lemurs, giant tortoises, flying foxes, and diverse species of birds, tomato frogs
and coral fish. The exhibits at the Information Centre directly adjacent to the hall presents
Madagascar and emphasize the importance of the tropical rain forest – both in Switzerland and in
Masoala – while calling attention as well to the endangerment of this unrivalled world of flora and
fauna.
In 2005, the Zoolino is going to be supplemented by the nature workshop, a playful place of
learning for schools and families, which includes an exhibition of bats.

Zoo Zurich Key data
1929 (founding year) 1999 2004
Area 7 ha 13 ha 27 ha
Staff 13 employees 90 employees
0 volunteers
102 employees
200 volunteers
Animals 1671 individuals (306 species)
211 mammals (67 species)
423 birds (141 species)
89 reptiles/amphibians
(47 species)
957 fish/invertebrates
(54 species)
1796 individuals (262 species)
330 mammals (55 species)
593 birds (95 species)
152 reptiles (28 species)
71 amphibians (13 species)
617 fish (57 species)
33 invertebrates (14 species)
3731 individuals (357 species)
489 mammals (69 species)
792 birds (121 species)
288 reptiles (49 species)
138 amphibians (13 species)
1883 fish (74 species)
141 invertebrates (35 species)

Zoo Zürich on the map of Zürich