Wuppertal Zoo

Wuppertal Zoo, officially known as Zoologischer Garten Wuppertal, is a significant zoological park situated in the western part of Wuppertal, Germany. Established on December 5, 1879, by a joint-stock company, the zoo officially opened its doors on September 8, 1881, initially housing 34 animals. Today, it spans 24 hectares (59 acres) and is home to approximately 5,000 animals representing around 500 different species, making it a substantial collection of global wildlife.

History and Development

The zoo's history is marked by continuous development and adaptation. In 1937, due to economic challenges, operations were transferred to the Wuppertal city council, which has managed the zoo ever since. While the zoo experienced some animal evacuations during World War II, it was not as severely damaged as other German zoos. The latter half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century saw major renovations and the construction of new, modern enclosures. These include a large-cat building (1970), a renovated aquarium (1974), an ape pavilion (1978), a primate house (1985), an aviary for South American birds (1993), and a new elephant house with extensive outdoor and indoor quarters (1995). The gorilla enclosure was significantly updated in 2006, coinciding with the zoo's 125th anniversary, and a new, large lion enclosure opened in 2007.

Animals and Exhibits

Wuppertal Zoo's location on a rocky, hilly terrain, combined with the region's humid and rainy climate, has influenced its specialization in animals native to alpine tundra, temperate deciduous forests, and tropical rainforests. The zoo boasts modern enclosures for its elephants and apes. A notable feature is its bird house, which includes a specially designed hall allowing visitors to observe free-flying birds. Additionally, the zoo houses a small combined aquarium and terrarium.

Location and Accessibility

The zoo is conveniently located in the western part of Wuppertal, on a hill known as the "Boltenberg." It is easily accessible by public transport, with the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn (Wuppertal Suspension Railway) and the Wuppertal Zoologischer Garten station on the Rhine-Ruhr S-Bahn nearby. While car access is possible via the Autobahn 46, parking is often limited.

Notable Figures

The zoo has had several directors throughout its history, with Josef Keusch serving from 1900 to 1934, followed by Wilhelm Seiffge and others, leading up to the current director, Ulrich Schürer, who has held the position since 1988. A notable animal resident was Anori, a polar bear cub born in 2012, who shared a father with the famous polar bear Knut.