The Zoological Gardens, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest zoos in the world and originated as a civic foundation to provide a place of recreation for the residents of the rapidly growing metropolis.
The zoo already had a remarkable animal population at the turn of the century. Everything was destroyed in a single night in 1944, with only 20 animals surviving the hail of bombs.
"A Place for Animals" in the middle of the city. Through his efforts to rebuild the zoo after the war and with his eponymous television program, Professor Bernhard Grzimek (1909-1987) made the Frankfurt Zoo known worldwide and synonymous with modern animal husbandry.
To mark the 95th birthday of the "Animal Professor," an Africa camp has been set up with the famous single-engine Do 27, the "Flying Zebra," a hut, a high stand and a Landrover to commemorate his commitment to Africa's endangered wildlife.
To mark his 100th birthday. On his 100th birthday, Deutsche Post AG issued a commemorative stamp and the city of Frankfurt celebrates the animal professor's anniversary with various exhibitions and events.
Conservation scientist Prof. Manfred Niekisch took office as the new director of Frankfurt Zoo on March 1, 2008.
Frankfurt Zoo offers breathtaking animal and plant life on just 11 hectares of cramped inner city space. The zoo is home to around 4400 animals in 534 species.
In the Grzimek House, day is turned into night. Species of animals whose waking hours are when we humans sleep are on display there.
This artificial day-night shift offers visitors the unique opportunity to observe animals that are otherwise only known from pictures or television.
In the Exotarium, visitors can expect an exciting journey around the world from the Arctic Ocean to the Amazon. The bird halls are unique in Europe. The free flight hall is particularly impressive.
In addition, there is a rhinoceros enclosure, a giraffe enclosure and the animal children's house.
In the grotto of the seal facility, the most modern in Europe, dwarf seals can be observed underwater.
A special attraction is the cat jungle. Tigers, lions and other big cats cavort here in a "natural" environment.
Another highlight is the "Borgori Forest", which opened in June 2008 after two years of construction.
After decades in cramped cages, the apes now have more space. Many play opportunities are provided by some 200 trees with ropes strung along them.
The name "Borgori" is made up of the inhabitants of the ape forest: Bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees), Orangutans and Gorillas.
In addition, the new "Gibbon House" opened in September 2009. A modern greenhouse-style structure has been built on the Great Pond, offering the monkeys a variety of opportunities to climb and shimmy.
One of the newest attractions is the "Ukumari Land", the new large enclosure for spectacled bears and howler monkeys, which opened in July 2014 and is immediately adjacent to the new zoo entrance
Opening Hours:
Winter hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Summer hours: Mon-Sat 9am-1pm
Grzimek House from 09.30
Exotarium from 10.00
The long-established Frankfurt Zoo has long struggled with a lack of space.
Keeping elephants and other large animals in an animal-friendly manner is no longer possible in the cramped inner-city zoo.
But there are positives to look forward to despite the lack of space and in times of empty coffers.
The penguins are getting a larger facility right next to the Exotarium, which is currently under construction and should be completed during 2018.
