Cologne Zoo

One of the oldest zoos in Germany, Cologne is well worth a visit for parents and children holidaying nearby. It is a special place, home to a wide variety of animals. It is not difficult to get here — Cologne Zoo is located in the heart of the city. It is worth noting that the main zoo in Cologne specialises in keeping monkeys, but you can also find other equally interesting animals such as the exotic red panda or the rare okapi.

One of the oldest zoos in Germany opened in Cologne in 1860. Since then, it has been a popular destination for local families and tourists alike. The zoo area is relatively small, but it is home to a large number of animal, reptile, fish and bird species. The conditions in which the feathered, furry and scaly inhabitants live are as natural as possible.

Zoo areas in Cologne

• "Elephant Park", home to 10 specimens from Asia.
• "Hippo House": African animals such as hippos, antelopes and crocodiles can be seen here.
• Mountain Farm with chickens, sheep, pigs and cows. While visiting the farm you can find out where our food comes from and get up close and personal with the animals in the contact zoo which is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
• The Aquaterrarium with aquatic animals from all over the world.
• The Terrarium with exotic reptiles and amphibians.
• The Jungle House with gorillas, orangutans or bonobos. Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of great apes and experience the buzzing life of our lady gorilla Kissa and her cub Kiano or female orangutan Kori.
• Madagascar House with representatives from the unique fauna of the African island.
• Tropical Jungle House takes you into the rainforest, home to a variety of rare animals.
• Baboon Rocks, where you can watch the life of baboons.
• "South America" with anteaters, capybaras and other animals of Latin America.
• "Suricats" — in this area you can also see otters.
• "Air Show" with a variety of birds.

So where should you start your visit to the zoo? We suggest you visit the elephant houses, of which there are two at Cologne Zoo. One of them will soon have official museum status as its history dates back to the 19th century. The second elephant house is much younger than the first, but has also been home to a large family of elephants for a long time.

In 1997, the zoo owners decided to expand the animals' home range and built a real wet jungle in the empty zoo. As soon as you enter the building, where the air is tropical, you'll be amazed at the variety and colour of the birds that live within the walls of the aviary. The inhabitants of this area fly freely under the ceiling and communicate with each other. As well as the birds, visitors can also see the other animals that live there: otters, gibbons and tree kangaroos.

Take a ride on the Cologne Cable Car, which is 400 meters away, and admire the city from above.

Pinniped Rock, also recommended for adults and children, is home to snow leopards, white rhinos, sea lions, seals and many other interesting animals. The large terrarium aquarium and the Owl Monastery are also worth a visit. The Owl Sanctuary opened in 1997 and was almost immediately filled with such amazing birds as the Bearded Owl, Pygmy Owl, Long-eared Owl, Kestrel, Black Stork and Common Murrelet.

The aquarium-terrarium was built outside the zoo in 1971. Here you can find crocodiles, lizards, fish, snakes, amphibians and reptiles. You'll see colourful paradise fish, anemones, corals, starfish, shells and crabs in around 70 geographically arranged aquariums. The Insectarium is also home to a large number of insect species, including some of the most exotic.