Ever wondered what it’s like to journey through Africa, Canada, and India all in one day? That’s the adventure that awaits you at the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover.
Welcome to the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover. It is not just a zoo, it’s an experience. Founded on May 4, 1865, this zoological garden spans 22 hectares in Hanover. Over 150 years, it has grown into one of Europe’s best zoos.
Prepare to be amazed by the innovative concept behind the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover. Forget traditional cages. Here, animals roam in scenic settings that mimic their natural habitats. A 5-kilometer explorer path guides you through themed worlds. These exhibits bring you close to the animals.
Let’s start our journey in Zambezi. This area recreates the African savanna. Imagine giraffes, rhinos, and flamingos living alongside an artificial river. You can even take a boat ride for ten minutes down the river. It offers unique views of lions and hippos. The Sahara Conservation Visitor Center provides information on addax reintroduction.
Next, we ascend to Gorilla Mountain. At the zoo’s highest point, gorillas inhabit a forest with a waterfall. Gibbons live on an island at the mountain’s foot. Chimpanzees and sloths also call this place home.
Our adventure continues to Yukon Bay. This Canadian theme world features wolves, caribou, and bisons. Explore Henry’s Underwater World in the sunken “Yukon Queen”. Here, you can view diving polar bears, seals, and penguins. Yukon Bay was built with the Yukon Territory’s collaboration.
Prepare to enter the Jungle Palace. This Indian rainforest exhibit is themed as an abandoned Hindu temple. Asian elephants and tigers reside here. You can also spot leopards, hanuman langurs, and snakes.
Next up is the Outback. This exhibit showcases an Outback farm. Kangaroos, wombats, and emus roam freely. An aviary themed as a pub houses Australian birds.
For our younger explorers, there’s Mullewapp. Also known as Mollywoop. This children’s area features a petting meadow and a secret biology room. It’s a place where kids can meet the “Three Friends” from Helme Heine’s books.
Step back in time at Meyer’s Farm. Seven Lower Saxony half-timbered buildings create the setting. These buildings house rare domestic breeds. See red and white Husum protest pigs and Pomeranian rough-wool sheep.
During the Christmas season, the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover transforms. Meyer’s Farm, Mollywoop, and Yukon Bay get festive decorations. Enjoy ice-skating, ice curling, and tobogganing at the Winter-Zoo.
Beyond the stunning exhibits, the Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover is committed to conservation. It collaborates with the Sahara Conservation Fund on projects. These projects help the North African Ostrich and the Addax. The zoo also supports Polar Bear International. They track polar bears near Hudson Bay. The Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover also works with Rettet den Drill. This organization saves drill populations in Nigeria and Cameroun. They support Asian elephant protection in Sri Lanka. The zoo also conserves old and endangered breeds of European livestock.
The Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover is more than just a day out. It’s a journey of discovery. It connects us to the natural world. From African savannas to Canadian wilderness, experience the animal kingdom. It will inspire you to protect our planet.