On the edge of a wooded park in the Frankfurt suburb of Schwanheim, a small private zoo was founded a century ago. Its founders and the volunteers who look after the animals did not set out to increase the collection, but to create the best possible living conditions for animals and birds. Another aim of Kobelt Zoo is to show young visitors how animals behave in their natural habitat.
Around two hundred animals live in spacious enclosures on the edge of the forest. Many of them roam free — goats, sheep, ponies and donkeys graze without the slightest fear of humans. You can see them up close, stroke them or even pick a bundle of succulent grass for a treat. You can't feed the animals anything else, but you can bring stale bread, vegetables and fruit and put them in a special box at the entrance: the staff will pick out what you need and add it to the animals' regular diet.
There are other animals in the zoo as well as the hoofed ones. One enclosure is home to furry children's favourites — rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Another has lively raccoons. A third has carefree monkeys. The fourth has the heavyweight boars. Ducks, geese, swans and pelicans stroll around the pond, an eagle owl hides in a giant shaded cage and next door parrots show off their colourful plumage.
Deutsches Filmmuseum is only 8 km away. Plan a family outing to this fascinating place.
Children can also see other animals, from ground squirrels to kangaroos. Terrariums house exotic amphibians and reptiles, including snakes, lizards and tortoises.
There is a nice playground on the green lawn for the little ones, and a cafe next to it where parents can relax while the kids run around in the fresh air. The café is only open on Sundays.
Next door to Kobelt Zoo is the Frankfurt Transport Museum, which can also be included in the sightseeing programme.
