Right here in Mainz’s Stadtpark sits a special place called Vogelhaus. It is more than just a bird enclosure. Vogelhaus is home to various exotic birds. Aras are its main attraction.
The Vogelhaus is part of the Zoo Mainz. The Zoo Mainz includes the Vogelhaus in the Stadtpark and the Wildpark Gonsenheim. The Vogelhaus is located in the upper part of the Stadtpark. You can access it via “An der Favorite” street.
Tier enclosures have a long history in this park. In 1700, Elector Lothar Franz von Schönborn created a park with animals. It was near the Favorite palace. In 1891, a Palm House was built in the Stadtpark. It housed parrots and other exotic birds. Sadly, it was destroyed in World War II.
In the 1960s, three smaller tropical houses were built. They housed birds, reptiles, and fish. These animals came from Mainz’s private zoo “Nieblings Tierpark”. That zoo closed in 1969. In 2004, the tropical houses were removed during hotel renovations. Today, you can still find two aquariums and a small petting zoo here.
The Vogelhaus got a makeover in winter 2013 and 2014. Today, about 100 animals of ten bird species live in the Vogelhaus. Besides the Vogelhaus, you can visit the Flamingo pond in the lower part of the park. There is also a petting enclosure with West African dwarf goats.
The Stadtpark itself has an interesting past. It was once the site of the Favorite palace. The palace was destroyed in 1793 during the siege of Mainz. The area was later used for construction during French rule. Even the Schinderhannes and his gang were executed here in 1803. They were guillotined.
From 1819 to 1825, Peter Wolf designed a new park. It was in the style of an English landscape park. In 1888, the Siesmayer brothers redesigned the park. They gave it its current look. The Stadtpark was renovated again for the city’s 2000th anniversary in 1962. The Vogelhaus was added then.
The Rosengarten is near the Vogelhaus. It was created in 1925. It features about 7,500 roses. Some trees in the Rosengarten mark the spot where Schinderhannes was executed.
The Vogelhaus is open at specific times. From November to February, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. From March to October, it is open from 9 am to 6 pm. The Stadtpark itself is always accessible.
The Zoo Mainz also has a location in Gonsenheim. It is called Wildpark Gonsenheim. It features different animals. Both parks are part of the Mainz’s green spaces. They contribute to the city’s ecological balance.
So, take a moment to enjoy the Vogelhaus. Listen to the birds sing. Appreciate this small part of Mainz’s rich history. It is a peaceful place within the bustling city.