Zoo Zurich is a superbly maintained wildlife attraction with areas that mimic several of the world’s landscapes and ecosystems. This zoological park shelters over 360 animal species, some native and others endangered. At Zoo Zurich spot bears, butterflies, elephants, giant tortoises, lions and pandas. Discover a cloud forest, desert, prairie and tropical rainforest, among other habitats.
Go to the Masoala Rainforest area and look down on colorful animals and plants from treetop walkways. See four species of lemur, flying foxes, chameleons, parrots and a tomato frog. Wander through the Pantanal area, which imitates a South American wetland region. From spring to autumn the resident squirrel monkeys provide entertainment.
Explore the impressive Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park. Watch as members of an Asian elephant family frolic in the sand and waterholes. Sharing this area with the elephants are everything from hissing cockroaches to scorpions. Marvel as Andean spectacled bears traverse a cloud forest and snow leopards clamber over mountainous terrain.
Join a night walk in the Mongolian Steppe and watch for camels, cashmere goats and yaks. Feed a variety of friendly wildlife in the Zoolino zone. Alpaca, dwarf rabbits, pygmy goats, Shetland ponies and wild turkeys are some of the domesticated animals you can interact with.
Located in the Zurichberg district, the zoo is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) east of the center of Zurich’s Old Town. Get here by taking a tram to the Zoo station and then catch a bus or continue by foot for about 5 minutes. Limited metered parking is available on the zoo’s surrounding streets and at nearby car parks.
Zoo Zurich is open 365 days of the year and has an admission fee. Entrance is free for children age 6 and under. Between spring and autumn a toy train connects the Masoala Rainforest and elephant park. Visit the zoo’s official website for the complete opening hours, fees and a list of the major attractions.
