Cologne Zoo: the third oldest and the first in spirit

The Cologne Zoo is a place where history meets modernity, where there are no bars, and animals live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. The third oldest zoo in Germany, founded in 1860, has gone from an entertainment fairground to a center for species conservation, scientific research, and education. Here, on the banks of the Rhine, on 20 hectares, live more than 10,000 animals of 842 species, and visitors can embark on a journey across continents without leaving the city. Its concept is not just to show animals, but to immerse people in the world of wild nature, where each inhabitant feels at home.

The Birth of a Legend: From an Elephant to a Scientific Institute

The Cologne Zoo was founded on July 22, 1860, and is the third oldest zoo in Germany. Its history began with a pavilion in a Moorish style, which was to become the home for elephants. Since then, it has survived revolutions, crises, and two world wars, but has preserved its historical appearance. Today, the zoo occupies 20 hectares on the banks of the Rhine and is home to more than 10,500 animals representing over 840 species. With an annual attendance of about 1.7-2 million people, it is among the most popular tourist attractions in Cologne.

The zoo actively participates in international programs for species conservation. Almost 160 species kept here are listed in the IUCN Red List. The Cologne Zoo supports conservation projects for animals worldwide, including a program in Vietnam, where it helps preserve rare large vertebrates. As Director Theo Pahle notes, modern European zoos are \"centers for nature conservation, research, and educational institutions.\" And the Cologne Zoo is a shining example of this approach.

Concept of Geographical Zones: A Journey Across Continents

In 2012, the zoo was reimagined: it transitioned to the concept of \"animals geographical zones.\" Visitors can walk through different climatic zones of the world, observing animals in recreated natural landscapes. There are no bars here — animals and spectators are separated only by living fences, low fences, or water ditches. This not only creates more comfortable conditions for animals but also allows for observation without barriers, making the visit particularly captivating.

The combination of historical buildings and modern exhibitions gives the zoo a unique charm. Here you can see the old Elephant House in Moorish style, built in 1863, and the \"Monkey Rock\" from 1914, as well as modern pavilions. The park landscapes, thought out by gardeners, create an atmosphere of natural space, where the visitor becomes part of the world of nature.

Major Gems: From Elephants to Hippos

The heart of the zoo is the Elephant Park, opened in 2004. On an area of 20,000 square meters (the largest elephant park north of the Alps), there lives a herd of ten Asian elephants — one of the largest groups in Europe. Elephants live in a natural social group without constant contact with keepers. In 2023, the thirteenth elephant calf was born here, and in June 2020, the twelfth, the little elephant girl Lee Ma Ri.

The Hippodome — a unique reconstruction of an African river landscape in Germany, opened in 2010. On an area of 3,500 square meters, visitors can observe hippos and Nile crocodiles from different points: underwater, from the height of a bird's flight, and even face to face. Hippos swim behind a transparent wall of the pool, and their underwater grace fascinates visitors.

The Tropical Pavilion (Rainforest House) is a free hall for birds, where a humid and warm atmosphere of tropical forests in Southeast Asia is recreated. Here fly macaws, rhinoceros birds, and other exotic birds, and in the thickets you can spot reticulated pythons and dwarf otters. Guests are warned: do not step on birds that freely roam the paths.

The zoo is famous for its collection of primates, especially hominoid monkeys. On the \"Monkey Rock\" live gorillas, gibbon, and chimpanzees bonobos — our closest relatives. There is also an aquarium with 70 aquariums representing different aquatic worlds, a terrarium, and an insectarium where you can see the most exotic insects.

On the territory, there is also a contact zoo \"Klemenshof\" — a farm where old breeds of domestic animals at risk of extinction live, as well as two large children's playgrounds.

Why the Cologne Zoo is Unique

The Cologne Zoo is unique in its combination of historical heritage and advanced concepts. It is the third oldest zoo in Germany, having survived wars and destruction but retaining its character. It is one of the most diverse in terms of species composition in the country, where more than 10,000 animals live. There are no bars here, and animals live in spacious enclosures close to nature. It is home to the largest elephant park north of the Alps and the unique Hippodome, which has no analogs in Germany.

But the main thing is its concept. The Cologne Zoo shows not just animals, but entire ecosystems. It teaches not to look down on animals, but to observe them as neighbors on the planet. It reminds us that we are part of nature, not its masters. And that is why it remains one of the most beloved zoos in Europe — not only for animals but also for people who come here to see the world without barriers.

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