Hagenbeck Zoo

Hagenbeck Zoo features exotic animals, an aquarium and a wider parkland area to relax in. It was founded during the middle of the 19th century by an eccentric fishmonger who, at the time, also exhibited human beings. Nowadays, it is a modern and very interesting zoo.

The zoo has pride of place among zoological parks as the first to dispense with cages and replace them with moats. This makes it a forerunner of a wider trend followed all over the world in more recent times, one which brings enclosures closer to real-life habitats and also improves the viewing experience of the visitor.

In 1863, Carl Hagenbeck started his collection of exotic animals, which came into the city through its busy port. He also displayed people who would have been viewed as “exotic natives” at the time. When this became less popular with the advent of photography, he went on to open the first Hagenbeck Zoo here in 1909.

Today’s zoo is arranged by a number of different themes, including African, Arctic and Tropical. Some hugely impressive mammals are on show, including polar bears and zebras, as well as crocodiles and penguins, freely roaming birds and unusual capybara, totalling some 1,850 animals. You can get up-close and personal with lots of the (safer) animals at feeding time, when zookeepers often allow visitors to provide the food by hand. On a more aquatic theme, younger visitors are sure to delight in the spectacular dolphin and sea lion shows.

When you’re finished interacting with the animals, there are seven kilometres of walking trails around the leisure park for you to stroll around and enjoy some quiet time to relax.

Hagenbeck Zoo is situated 20 minutes from the city centre in the Stellingen area. There is pay parking at the zoo, or you can take a train to Hagenbecks Tierpark. There is a fee for entry.