Tierpark Sommerhausen, a captivating wildlife park in Lower Franconia, Bavaria, offers a unique blend of animal encounters, family fun, and inclusive experiences. This 14-hectare oasis, located in the charming town of Sommerhausen, has been delighting visitors for three decades. More than just a zoo, it's a multifaceted institution that combines conservation, education, and therapy. With its focus on regional animals and commitment to animal welfare, the zoo provides an authentic glimpse into Bavarian wildlife. Families, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a meaningful day out will find plenty to explore in this hidden gem of Lower Franconia.
Highlights
- A diverse collection of 350 regional animals, including alpacas, llamas, and rare breeds
- Expansive playground with giant trampolines and water features
- Inclusive workplace and animal-assisted therapy programs
Contents
Photo: tierparksommerhausen.de
Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Tierpark Sommerhausen is worth visiting with kids because it offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, will be captivated by the close encounters with friendly animals like goats, horses, and alpacas. The park's emphasis on interactive experiences allows kids to feed, pet, and learn about various species in a safe environment. The expansive playground, with its giant trampolines and water pumps, provides hours of fun for the more energetic youngsters. The park's commitment to conservation and animal welfare also offers a valuable learning opportunity, fostering empathy and environmental awareness in young visitors.
Family-friendly features
- Interactive animal feeding sessions and petting opportunities
- Expansive playground with giant trampolines and water play areas
- Educational programs and guided tours tailored for different age groups
History and Development
Photo: tierparksommerhausen.de
Tierpark Sommerhausen's journey began in 1993 when it was established by the Mainfränkische Werkstätten, a local organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Over the past 30 years, the park has evolved from a simple animal enclosure to a multifaceted institution that serves various purposes.
In its early days, the park focused primarily on showcasing regional animals and providing a recreational space for families. However, as it grew, so did its mission and scope. The park's management recognized the potential for creating a unique space serving multiple community functions.
Throughout the years, Tierpark Sommerhausen has undergone several expansions and improvements. The addition of the large playground area was a significant development, making the park more attractive to families with children of all ages. This expansion helped to increase visitor numbers and extend the average duration of visits.
Another crucial aspect of the park's evolution has been its transformation into an inclusive workplace. By partnering with Mainfränkische Werkstätten, the park has created meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to work in various roles throughout the facility.
Tierpark Sommerhausen has expanded its services recently by developing into a research center and therapy facility. This progression has allowed the park to contribute to scientific studies on animal behavior and welfare while offering animal-assisted intervention programs for those who can benefit from such therapies.
The park's 30th anniversary in 2023 it marked a milestone in its development, celebrating its growth from a small local attraction to a respected institution combining conservation, education, inclusion, and therapy.
What Makes Tierpark Sommerhausen Special
Photo: tierparksommerhausen.de
Tierpark Sommerhausen stands out from typical zoos or wildlife parks due to its unique features and services. It's a wildlife park showcasing regional animals at its core, but it goes far beyond this primary function.
One of the park's most distinctive features is its integration of a large, well-equipped playground. This addition transforms the park into a comprehensive family destination where children can alternate between observing animals and engaging in active play. The playground includes innovative features like giant trampolines and shipyards with water pumps, providing entertainment that complements the animal experiences.
What truly sets Tierpark Sommerhausen apart is its role as an inclusive workplace. In collaboration with Mainfränkische Werkstätten, the park employs individuals with disabilities in various capacities. This initiative provides valuable employment opportunities and creates a more diverse and inclusive visitor environment.
The park has also developed into a research center, contributing to animal behavior, welfare, and conservation studies. This scientific focus enhances the park's educational value and contributes to broader conservation efforts.
Perhaps most uniquely, Tierpark Sommerhausen serves as a therapy facility. The park offers animal-assisted intervention (TGI) programs, which harness the therapeutic benefits of animal interactions. These programs can particularly benefit individuals with various physical, mental, or emotional challenges.
By combining these diverse elements - wildlife park, playground, inclusive workplace, research center, and therapy facility - Tierpark Sommerhausen has created a multifaceted institution that serves its community in numerous ways while providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Animals at the Park
Photo: tierparksommerhausen.de
Tierpark Sommerhausen is home to approximately 350 animals, with a strong focus on regional species. This emphasis on local fauna allows visitors to better appreciate the wildlife native to Bavaria and the surrounding areas.
Some of the popular species that visitors can encounter include:
- Alpacas and Llamas: These South American camelids have become favorites among visitors due to their gentle nature and fluffy appearance.
- Goats: The park houses various breeds of goats, which are often particularly popular with children due to their playful and interactive nature.
- Horses: Several breeds of horses can be found in the park, showcasing the diversity within this species.
- Riesenesel (Giant Donkeys): These larger-than-average donkeys are a unique attraction, demonstrating the diversity of domesticated equines.
- Mufflons: A type of wild sheep, mufflons are an exciting species for visitors to observe and learn about.
In addition to these, the park also houses a variety of other species, such as:
- Various breeds of sheep
- Deer
- Ponies
- Rabbits and other small mammals
- A selection of bird species
The park strongly emphasizes animal welfare, ensuring all enclosures are spacious and well-maintained. This commitment to animal well-being is evident in the overall health and behavior of the park's residents.
Visitors can observe these animals in naturalistic settings and, in some cases, even interact with them under supervised conditions. These interactions include feeding sessions or petting opportunities with some of the friendlier species.
The focus on regional animals serves multiple purposes. It educates visitors about local wildlife, supports conservation efforts for native species, and minimizes the environmental impact of housing exotic species from distant habitats.
Regular breeding programs, particularly for rare or endangered regional breeds, contribute to conservation efforts and often result in the arrival of adorable newborns, adding to the park's appeal for repeat visitors.
At a distance of 15 kilometres is the Wuerzburg Residenz, which we also highly recommend to visit with the whole family.
Best Time to Visit
Photo: tierparksommerhausen.de
The best time to visit Tierpark Sommerhausen with children is during the summer (April to October) when the park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Plan your visit for optimal animal activity and pleasant weather in late spring or early fall. Weekends can be busier but often feature special events or demonstrations.
Recommended Duration: A typical visit to Tierpark Sommerhausen lasts about 3-4 hours, allowing ample time to see the animals and enjoy the playground.
Our Resume
Tierpark Sommerhausen offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, family entertainment, and social responsibility. Its commitment to animal welfare, focus on regional species, and inclusive employment practices set it apart from typical zoos. Its expansive playground and interactive experiences make it an ideal destination for families seeking an educational and fun day out.
The park's evolution into a research center and therapy facility further enhances its value to the community, making it a multifaceted attraction worth visiting.
