Knies Kinderzoo

Knie's Kinderzoo

Knie's Kinderzoo is a zoological attraction located in Rapperswil, Switzerland, specifically tailored to engage children. Founded on June 10, 1962, by Fredy and Rolf Knie senior, it represents the fifth generation of the esteemed Knie's Circus family. The zoo's core philosophy centers on fostering a close and interactive relationship between its young visitors and the animals.

History and Development

The zoo was built by architect Wolfgang Behles and has seen numerous developments since its inauguration. Early milestones include the birth of Sahib-Fridolin, the first Asian elephant born in Switzerland, in 1963, and the introduction of trained dolphins from Florida in 1965. A significant facility was the opening of the first permanent dolphinarium in Europe in 1970, though it was later closed for animal welfare reasons. The zoo has consistently expanded its offerings, with notable additions such as a fur seal pool with an underwater viewing window in 1991, an adventure playground with a hatchery in 2003, and a large, modern enclosure for giraffes in 2006. The Himmapan elephant park, completed in 2015, represents the largest project in the zoo's history.

Animal Collection and Visitor Experience

Knie's Kinderzoo distinguishes itself by its deliberate exclusion of predator species, focusing instead on animals that allow for safe and educational interaction. The collection includes elephants, ungulates, camels, various monkeys, rodents, kangaroos, giraffes, and a wide array of birds. As of 2009, the zoo housed approximately 303 animals across 51 species. Visitors are encouraged to feed and pet many of the animals, with specially selected food available for purchase. Beyond animal exhibits, the zoo offers amenities such as restaurants, refreshment stands, a narrow-gauge horse-drawn tramway, and play areas, including a pirate ship-themed playground and an adventure playground.

Conservation and Future

While primarily focused on entertainment and education for children, Knie's Kinderzoo participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The zoo has also been adapting its facilities to meet the specific needs of its inhabitants, with plans for a botanical area designed to evoke savannah and Chilean coastal landscapes. The integration of elephants from Circus Knie into the Himmapan park underscores a commitment to establishing stable, matriarchal groups for these animals. The zoo also aims to promote learning through play, with educational concepts focusing on elephants, cheetahs, and penguins.