Zoo Basel

Zoo Basel, officially known as Zoologischer Garten Basel and affectionately called Zolli by locals, is a premier zoological garden situated in Basel, Switzerland. Established on July 3, 1874, it holds the distinction of being Switzerland's oldest and largest zoo by animal count. Its main entrance is located just outside the city center, and the grounds extend into the Birsig stream valley, bordering the city of Binningen. Zoo Basel is recognized globally for its significant conservation efforts and has been consistently ranked among the world's best zoos by publications like Forbes Traveler and the Zoological Society of London.

History and Development

Founded from a project initiated in 1870 by the Ornithologiegesellschaft and the city of Basel, Zoo Basel opened with an initial focus on Swiss and European animals. Its early years saw rapid growth in visitor numbers and a nearly doubling of its area in 1884 with the addition of the Sautergarten. The zoo faced challenges during the World Wars, leading to the establishment of the "Friends of Zoo Basel" in 1919 to provide support. Significant construction and expansion phases occurred throughout the 20th century, including the opening of new houses for lions, elephants, and monkeys, as well as the aquarium (Vivarium) in 1972. In recent years, Zoo Basel has focused on renovating and expanding existing exhibits into larger, integrated theme areas, such as the Etosha and Gamgoas sections, and has undertaken major modernization projects, including a new elephant house and extensive renovations to its monkey facilities.

Exhibits and Conservation

Zoo Basel is home to over 500 animal species from every continent. Its exhibits are designed to encourage visitor observation and engagement. Notable attractions include the Africa exhibit, where multiple species share an outdoor space, the Australis theme area showcasing Australian wildlife, and the Bird House with free-flying birds. The Etosha and Gamgoas areas focus on African wildlife and predators, respectively. The zoo's Vivarium houses a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial species, including penguins and reptiles. Zoo Basel is particularly proud of its breeding successes, having achieved milestones such as the first Indian rhinoceros birth in captivity and consistent breeding of species like okapis and pygmy hippopotamuses. The zoo actively participates in more than 40 conservation breeding programs for endangered species and manages international studbooks for several of them, including the Indian rhinoceros and the pygmy hippopotamus. The Somali wild ass population in zoos worldwide is directly linked to the breeding program initiated in Basel.

Notable Residents and Future Plans

Past notable residents include Miss Kumbuk, the zoo's first elephant, and Rudra, the first Indian rhinoceros born in a zoo. Goma, the first gorilla born in Europe, and Jambo, a western lowland gorilla who became a celebrity, are also significant figures in the zoo's history. Zoo Basel is committed to continuous infrastructure upgrades and has ambitious future plans, including expansions and a master plan called "Zolli 2049" aimed at further modernizing the zoo and enhancing its conservation and visitor experience.