Duisburg Zoo is one of the most interesting places in the city and is a great place to visit with children. It is the largest zoo in North Rhine-Westphalia and first opened its doors to visitors in 1934. There are some amazing things to see here, namely Australian koalas, which are only found in this zoo in Germany, and the largest freshwater dolphin, the Amazonian river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). They are well worth a family visit to Duisburg Zoo.
Once here, you'll immediately feel like you're in the wilds of a forest jungle. Paths lead through dense bamboo thickets, promising plenty to see and discover. After crossing the bridge, you'll come across the cosy home of a cute little lemur, a cat house. After gazing at these cute little creatures, you can set off.
Wind through bamboo thickets and along mysterious paths to an aviary where you can feed giraffes, horned crows and elephants. Place a few cubes of carrot in the palm of your hand and the big, strong animal will gently pick them up! Nearby is a lake with elegant flamingos and pelicans.
Wasserwelt Wedau Leisure Center, an outdoor water activity center, is 5 km away.
But it is the dolphinarium that makes a trip to Duisburg Zoo worthwhile. There are daily shows (3 times a day) featuring these clever mammals. The spacious glass pavilion where the dolphins show off their talents and skills is called Rio Negro. Everything here is reminiscent of the rainforest: the humid, warm air, the distant murmur of the waterfall, the scent of exotic trees.
The dolphin presentation takes place daily at 11.30 am, 14.30 am and 4.00 pm. Please note that the entrance of the dolphinarium will be closed as soon as the capazity of seats is taken completely.
In addition to the dolphin show, penguins and sea lions also perform for the public. The RioNegro pavilion continues with a series of aquariums housing river and sea creatures. Sharks, monodactylus and many other species of fish are displayed in glass aquariums. The local terrarium features South American physignatus and caimans.
The Sea lion presentation takes place daily at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm
Another great rarity, the Fossa, live in a large family at Duisburg Zoo. These animals look very much like cats: they have the same semi-circular ears, sharp muzzle, long tail and graceful, soft, short hair. It is worth noting that fossas are a rarity in modern zoos. And it is in this German zoo that they are most abundant.
Lions, South American tapirs, capybaras, anteaters and Australia's native koalas, wombats and short-finned kangaroos are a huge attraction for children and adults alike.
Feeding times at Duisburg Zoo
10.45 am gorillas
1.15 pm orang utans
1.15 pm elephants
1.15 pm meercats and zebra manguse
1.45 pm gorillas
2.00 pm pandas
2.00 pm petting zoo
2.15 pm penguins (following the sealions)
2.15 pm tapirs
3.00 pm amur tiger
3.00 pm lions (tue, thu, sat, sun)
3.30 pm giant otter
