Frankfurt Zoological Garden
The Frankfurt Zoological Garden is a prominent zoo located in Frankfurt, Germany, known for its extensive collection of animals and its historical significance as the second oldest zoo in the country. It plays a role in animal conservation and education, serving as a key institution for the public display and study of diverse species.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1858, making it the second oldest zoo in Germany.
- ›Covers an area of over 11 hectares.
- ›Houses more than 4,500 animals representing over 510 species.
- ›Located in the western part of the Ostend district of Frankfurt.
- ›Bernhard Grzimek served as director from 1945 to 1974.
- ›The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) was instrumental in its founding and continues to support its development.
About Frankfurt Zoological Garden
The Frankfurt Zoological Garden is a significant zoological institution located in Frankfurt, Germany. Established in 1858, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest zoo in the country, with the Berlin Zoological Garden being the first.
History and Operations
The zoo's establishment was driven by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), an organization founded by Frankfurt citizens in the same year of 1858 with the express purpose of creating the Zoological Garden. The FZS managed the zoo until the outbreak of the First World War. Following this period, the responsibility for the zoo's operation was transferred to the city council. In 1950, the FZS re-engaged with the zoo, once again serving as its development association.
Location and Scope
The Frankfurt Zoological Garden is situated in the western part of the Ostend (East End) district of Frankfurt, relatively close to the city center. The zoo encompasses an area exceeding 11 hectares and is home to a substantial collection of wildlife. It features over 4,500 individual animals, which collectively represent more than 510 distinct species.
Notable Figures
Bernhard Grzimek, a prominent figure in zoology and conservation, served as the director of the Frankfurt Zoological Garden for an extensive period. His tenure extended from 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, until 1974.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Frankfurt Zoological Garden established?
The Frankfurt Zoological Garden was established in 1858. This founding makes it the second oldest zoo in Germany, following the Berlin Zoological Garden.
How large is the Frankfurt Zoological Garden?
The zoo spans an area of more than 11 hectares. It is home to a significant number of animals and species within this space.
What is the approximate number of animals and species at the zoo?
The Frankfurt Zoological Garden houses over 4,500 animals. These individuals represent more than 510 different species.
Who was a notable director of the Frankfurt Zoological Garden?
Bernhard Grzimek served as the director of the zoo for a significant period. He held this position after World War II, from 1945 until 1974.
What is the role of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS)?
The Frankfurt Zoological Society was founded in 1858 by citizens to establish the zoo and operated it until World War I. After the city council assumed responsibility, the FZS became the zoo's development association again in 1950.
Related Zoos

Berlin Zoological Garden
The Berlin Zoological Garden, established in 1844, is Germany's oldest and most renowned zoo. It boasts one of the world's most extensive species collections, housing over 20,200 animals across approximately 1,380 species. The zoo is a significant European tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually and playing a vital role in international conservation efforts through breeding programs and species reintroduction.
Cologne Zoological Garden
The Cologne Zoological Garden is a historic zoo in Cologne, Germany, founded in 1860. It is one of Germany's oldest zoos, housing over 10,000 animals from more than 850 species across 20 hectares, and is notable for its active participation in conservation breeding programs for endangered species and in-situ conservation efforts.
Dresden Zoo
Dresden Zoo, established in 1861, is Germany's fourth-oldest zoo and is situated on the southern edge of the Großer Garten in Dresden, Germany. It is renowned for its significant collection of Asian animals and its pioneering work in observing and documenting the natural rearing of great apes, particularly orangutans.