The Gelsenkirchen Zoo is 50km from Düsseldorf, but it is well worth the journey and the time it takes to get there with your child.
Considered one of the best zoos in Germany, Gelsenkirchen Zoo attracts visitors with its variety of species, beauty, cleanliness and clever design. The fences separating the animals from the tourists are very low and give visitors the feeling of being in the wild.
The park covers about 30 hectares and is divided into four themed areas: Alaska, Africa, Asia and the Grimberger Hof farmyard. The bio-zones have been recreated down to the last detail, with the appropriate animals and plants selected. There are more than 800 animals from different parts of the world.
The walk through the zoo begins in Alaska, where the road stretches for 1.3km between small lakes, mountain ranges and a picturesque waterfall. There's even an abandoned mine where, according to zoo staff, the spirit of a prospector lives. There is also a Boy Scout lodge. Some of the animals you'll see along the way include lynx, polar bears, beavers, brown bears, sea lions and moose.
The next area is dedicated to African flora and fauna. The 1.8km Savannah Route begins at an unusual carved gate and ends at a tropical pavilion. This part of the zoo is home to lions, chimpanzees, baboons, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and many other animals.
On your way to the Asia Zone, you'll walk along the shores of a large artificial lake covering 7,000 square metres. In the Asia Zone you can see parrots, orangutans and even tarantulas. Dangerous animals such as predators and poisonous insects are kept in closed enclosures, separated from visitors by thick glass. This allows everyone to get up close and personal without risking their safety.
Each zone at ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen is interesting not only because of its animal life, but also because of a 'highlight' or two. In Africa, for example, guests are invited to take a boat trip on the river and admire the surroundings from the water. This activity is free of charge and can be repeated.
The area also features stylised tribal dwellings where visitors can see a variety of everyday objects. The Alaska zone takes visitors on an interactive journey through the waters of the Arctic Ocean. In the Tropics, young visitors will enjoy the indoor playground in Drakeland. Here they can climb on the back of a giant dragon and board a pirate ship.
After a stroll through the main part of the zoo, visitors are taken to the Grimberger Hof farm. Here you can see all kinds of farm animals: donkeys, ponies, chickens, sheep, goats and guinea pigs. Children will especially enjoy petting and feeding all the farm animals. There is also an alehouse for lunch and a rope playground for the little ones.
