ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen is one of Germany's most modern zoological gardens, established in 1949 on a former industrial site. It is renowned for its immersive safari-style "zoos"—Alaska, Africa, and Asia—which offer panoramic views and a cultural approach to animal presentation, primarily focusing on large mammals.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on April 14, 1949, as "Ruhr-Zoo".
- ›Located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, adjacent to the Rhine–Herne Canal.
- ›Covers a total area of 15.5 hectares, later enlarged after 2004.
- ›Features three main safari areas: Alaska, Africa, and Asia.
- ›Known for its panoramas and cultural presentation of animals.
- ›Does not have an aquarium, insectarium, or other facilities for smaller animals.
Grimberger Hof, Alaska Safari, Africa Safari, Asia Safari
Ernie, Rosi
About ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, initially established as "Ruhr-Zoo" on April 14, 1949, stands as one of Germany's contemporary zoological gardens. Its founding took place on a heavily damaged area in Gelsenkirchen, situated near the Rhine–Herne Canal. The zoo's initial size was 15.5 hectares, and in its early years, it experienced a significant turnover of animals supplied by the trader Firma Ruhe.
Today, the city of Gelsenkirchen owns the park through its municipal holding company, GEW – Gesellschaft für Energie und Wirtschaft mbH. Following 2004, the park underwent expansion to reach its current dimensions. ZOOM Erlebniswelt is particularly recognized for its panoramic exhibits and its distinct cultural approach to zoological presentation. The primary focus is on large animals, predominantly mammals, with the zoo intentionally lacking an aquarium, insectarium, or other specialized facilities for smaller creatures.
Concept and Layout
The zoo's design is organized around three distinct safari-themed areas accessible from the entrance zone, Grimberger Hof. This entrance area is styled as a Westphalian farm and includes attractions such as domesticated animal species, a restaurant, a playground, and a gift shop.
- Grimberger Hof: This area serves as the farm-themed entrance and features rare domesticated animals, dining, play areas, and a petting zoo.
- Alaska: This safari area is dedicated to wildlife from the Nearctic ecozone, showcasing animals like polar bears, moose, and Californian sea lions. It incorporates themed elements such as American road signs and a gold mine-themed cave, and features a simulator ride.
- Africa: This section highlights popular large animals from Sub-Saharan Africa, with exhibits allowing lions and zebras to be viewed within the same panorama. It includes a lake with flamingos, a monkey habitat, and an area for hippos separated by underwater fences. Visitors can experience a tow boat ride called the "African Queen."
- Asia: The Asia area presents a large hall with a tropical climate, home to orangutans, grey langurs, and flying foxes, amidst orchids and palm trees. It also contains a spacious indoor playground and a restaurant offering Asian cuisine. Further attractions include a monkey palace, Bactrian camels, and Siberian tigers.
Notable Animals
ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen has housed notable individuals. On March 31, 2020, the hippopotamus Ernie reached his 50th birthday, recognized as the oldest hippopotamus bull in Germany at that age. Ernie had resided in Gelsenkirchen since 1971. The zoo also previously had the hippopotamus Rosi, who died in 2012 at the age of 53, after living at the zoo since 1981 and giving birth to twelve offspring.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen founded?
ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen was founded on April 14, 1949. It was originally established as "Ruhr-Zoo" on a site that had been heavily shelled during the war.
What is the layout of ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen?
The zoo is designed with an entrance area called Grimberger Hof, resembling a Westphalian farm. From Grimberger Hof, visitors can access three distinct safari areas: Alaska, Africa, and Asia.
What kind of animals are found in the Alaska section?
The Alaska safari area features wildlife from the Nearctic ecozone. Visitors can see animals such as polar bears, moose, Californian sea lions, North American beavers, and Eastern wolves.
What are the main attractions in the Africa section?
The Africa safari area showcases popular big animals from Sub-Saharan Africa, including lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and hippos. It also features flamingos and various monkeys.
What can visitors expect to see in the Asia section?
The Asia area includes a large hall with a tropical climate housing orangutans, grey langurs, and flying foxes, alongside palm trees and orchids. It also displays Bactrian camels and Siberian tigers.
Does ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen have an aquarium?
No, ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen does not have an aquarium house. The zoo focuses primarily on large mammals and does not feature facilities for smaller animals like insects.
What is notable about the hippopotamuses at the zoo?
The hippopotamus Ernie celebrated his 50th birthday on March 31, 2020, making him the oldest hippopotamus bull in Germany at that time. The zoo also had a former oldest hippopotamus, Rosi, who died at 53.
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