A symphony of animal sounds greets you here. The Osnabrück Zoo is calling. This isn’t just a zoo. It is a journey through continents and habitats.
Founded as Heimattiergarten in 1936, the Osnabrück Zoo has grown. It now houses almost 3000 animals. These animals represent roughly 300 species. The zoo covers 23.5 hectares.
In its early days, the zoo started small. A badger, a fox, and a bear were its first residents. Donations from the Community of Friends of the Home Zoo made it possible. An aviary, owl tower, and aquarium soon followed.
The zoo faced challenges. World War II left it damaged and in debt. Yet, ambition remained. In 1947, it was renamed Tiergarten. Monkeys moved in. The zoo expanded with a warm house and a penguin enclosure. The first elephant house was erected in 1960.
1970 marked another change. Tiergarten Osnabrück became Zoo Osnabrück. More expansions followed. A sea lion enclosure arrived in 1973. The South America area opened in 1975.
Disaster struck in 1978. A fire destroyed a multi-purpose warm house. Dozens of animals perished. Property damage reached two million Deutsche Marks.
The Osnabrück Zoo turned its focus to animal welfare. It aimed to become a nature adventure park. New buildings, renovations, and themed landscapes emerged. A new entrance with the natural history Museum am Schölerberg opened in 1986.
The Osnabrück Zoo closed temporarily in 2001. This was due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The closure aimed to protect the animals.
New areas continued to open. Samburu welcomed giraffes and zebras in 2004. The Valley of the Grey Giants combined elephant and rhinoceros enclosures in 2007. The unique underground zoo opened in 2009. Takamanda, an African area, opened in 2010. Kajanaland, a taiga landscape, followed in 2011.
The Osnabrück Zoo celebrated its 75th anniversary. An exhibition promoted peace and tolerance. Donations benefited the zoo and children’s facilities.
In 2012, a new facility opened for pig-tailed macaques. The Angkor Wat-themed area expanded. In 2014, the tiger enclosure was opened.
Manitoba, a North American landscape, opened in 2018. The Water Worlds theme area construction began in 2021. It is a home for sea lions, seals, and penguins.
The Osnabrück Zoo is dedicated to education and conservation. It offers unique experiences. The underground zoo lets you observe earth dwellers. Samburu recreates an African safari. Takamanda showcases African wildlife. Manitoba presents North American animals. Angkor Wat transports you to Asia.
The Osnabrück Zoo ranks high among European zoos. It is praised for its animal care and visitor experience. It continues to evolve and improve.
Before you stands a testament to dedication. It is a place of wonder and learning. The Osnabrück Zoo invites you to explore the animal kingdom. What will you discover today?