Zurich Zoo & Masoala Rainforest – an Excursion into the Animal Kingdom

The almost 90-year-old Zurich Zoo lies in an idyllic location on the Zürichberg, in the city’s Fluntern quarter. The zoo is located high above the rooftops of Zurich, surrounded by greenery, yet can still be reached quickly and easily from the city center. Zurich Zoo serves as an ambassador between people, animals and nature. With its fascinating initiatives and conservation projects, it contributes towards safeguarding biological diversity, and shares knowledge with people both big and small.

Approximately 4,000 animals representing 350 different species live at Zurich Zoo. The oldest resident is Nigrita, a Galapagos giant turtle. She is around 80 years old and has been living at the zoo since 1946.

The following attractions await visitors at Zurich Zoo:

Masoala Rainforest

In this tropical “mini rainforest ecosystem”, visitors experience animals in their natural habitat. Covering a total area of 11,000 square meters (118,500 sq. ft), it is home to geckos, turtles, snakes, parrots and many other rainforest creatures.

Kaeng Krachan Elefant Park

Currently, 7 Asian elephants and ten other animal species live in the Elephant Park. The glass wall on the side of one of the basins provides spectacular sights of the animals swimming.

Aquarium

The Aquarium was restructured and redesigned in 2016. Under the theme of “Food, Glorious Food”, the zoo aims to raise awareness among its visitors of the impact mankind has on natural processes, such as by overfishing the oceans or disposing of plastic refuse in the sea. The new basins house 70 different types of fish, comprising 700 individuals.

Mongolian Steppe

The Mongolian steppe is home to a group of Bactrian camels, domesticated yak and cashmere goats. It also has a small yurt village, where visitors can spend the night (prior reservation required).

Pantanal

The Pantanal at Zurich Zoo provides an insight into the varied wildlife in the wetland area of the same name in South America. A particular highlight is Monkey Island, which is open from spring to fall. Here it is possible to experience squirrel monkeys at close quarters.

Zoolino

At the Zoolino, guests can not only see pygmy goats, pigs and other domestic and farm animals, but also feed and stroke them.