The Cologne Zoo

Discover one of the oldest and most modern zoos in the world.

Cologne Zoo first opened its gates for visitors in 1860. Some of the historical buildings, such as the former Elephant House and the South America House, still existing and are occupied by animals. Follow the trail of elephants, meerkats & co. Cologne Zoo is the home of over 9.000 animals more than 740 different species - we still show biodiversity. Located close to the banks of the river Rhine, Cologne Zoo with its many animal houses is a popular destination for young and old. Visitors love to see the animals from close distance. We have a wireless zoo and you can get close to the animals. Cologne Zoo is a genuine primate paradise. It houses more than 25 different species of primates. A lot of them are at risk of extinction in the wild. Visit our apes in the Jungle House (gorillas, bonobos, orang-utans) or marvel at the acrobatic lemurs such as the bamboo-lemur in the Madagascar House. The baboons can be found on a rocky island dating from 1914, one of the first enclosures in Hagenbeck style.

The Elephant Park, opened in 2004, is the biggest and most modern of its kind north of the Alps. Visitors can observe the grey giants from different viewing platforms in the Elephant House or outside. Meet Cologne's big elephant family, including the four zoo darlings, "Marlar", "Ming Jung", "Maha Kumari" and "Khin Yadanar Min" all born during the last 4 years. In Cologne Zoo tropical house "The Rainforest" we have over 80 percent humidity all year round so that the great hornbills and other tropical animals from Asia feel really at home.
Immerse into the depths of rivers and oceans. Cologne Zoo's underwater world extends from the Rhine to the Pacific. The terrarium and insectarium are also very exciting.

This year we will open the "Hippodom", an exhibit created in the spirit of the zoo's new adventure and endangered-species-protection concept. In the "Hippodom", zoo visitors can experience hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles and other animals of the African river habitat. The spacious, walk-through reproduction of an African river landscape is the only facility of this kind anywhere in Europe. Visitors can enjoy the fascinating world of Africa and can observe the animals from different perspectives. The large underwater windows, 12 and 16 m long, give you an unique glimpse into the habitat of these charismatic animals that you normally even do not get in the wild.