If you come to Munich and do not know how to spend your leisure time, pay attention to the world famous zoo. It is home to more than 740 species of animals, and the territory covers 39 hectares. The Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich is located near the Isar River. It is called the largest zoo in Europe. The number of visitors reaches 1.3 million per year.
The large territory of the zoo allows you to move freely around it and not feel discomfort due to a large crowd of people. Read on to find out where the Munich Zoo is located and what it is known for.
History
The zoo celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. It became the first among such places where the living conditions of animals are most closely adapted to their natural habitat. During the First World War, the zoo in Munich was bombed. Most of the territory was destroyed. In 1922, it was closed for reconstruction, which lasted for six years.
In 1928, Karl Hagenbeck designed a new design for the zoo, which was based onzoogeographic principle. The idea is that animals live in enclosures in an area that is as close to their nature as possible, and not in cramped cages.
In 1929, Hellabrunn received the status of an international rank, which allowed him to acquire more animals from different continents. The zoo began to breed bison and horses, in 1936 a large number of fish and Ara parrots joined the inhabitants.
Territory
The zoo is divided into six zones that mimic the animals' home continents: Africa, America, Europe, Asia, Antarctica and Australia. The inhabitants of the zoo in Munich feel at home, as there are no barriers and fences. Visitors can observe the animal in its natural environment without disturbing its boundaries.
Also, small streams flow in the reserve, in which fish swim. Otters can be seen on the shores. Each zone has its own unique climate, and visitors can experience the changing continents.
The territory of the reserve resembles a huge amusement park. There are cafes, shops, playgrounds for children and attractions. Every day, zookeepers put on a bird show in which hawks and eagles perform aerial stunts. Younger visitors will love the adventure playground. The design is a small town made of metal and wood. Here the child will be able to show his dexterity and have fun.
Inhabitants
In the part reserved for America, you can observe a large number ofspecies of animals, as the climate of this continent is diverse. Here you will meet alpaca, llama, maned wolf, giant anteater, tamarin, capybara and even Humboldt penguins.
Africa zone will delight you with a large number of mountain animals, predators and huge elephants. On the territory you will find herds of Elan antelopes, large kudu, gazelles, pygmy goats and nials. You can also observe various types of monkeys, from chimpanzees to baboons. Here you will meet zebras, giraffes, turtles, red pigs and, of course, the king of beasts - the lion.
In the European zone you will meet lynx, brown bear, wolf, tarpans, barn owl, bison and many other animals living in dense forests and mountain ranges.
Manul, red panda, Indian rhinoceros, blackbuck, Siberian tiger, Sumatran orangutan, camel, golden jackal and others are found in Asia.
Black swan, kangaroo, emu, wallaby live in the Australian zone.
For animals of the polar world, the zoo provides a zone with low air temperature and a cold climate. Penguins, polar bears, fur seals and arctic foxes are at home.
Also, the zoo in Munich took care of the largest inhabitants of the reserve. The huge 18-meter room was the first building in the zoo. Giants can roam freely and not feel discomfort. Next to the elephants in a separate room live another giant - reticulated giraffes, as well as bushy pigs.
The zoo has Dracula's villa in whichThere is a large family of bats. Despite the formidable name, the inhabitants are harmless. The reserve is distinguished by the largest aviary for birds. Birds can be among other animals and coexist perfectly with them, as happens in the wild. The most memorable bird habitats are Pelican Lake and the Kingdom of Pink Flamingos.
Special shelters have been created on the territory so that animals feel safe during the breeding season and the postpartum stage. The zoo has not only animals, but also insects, because without them part of the ecological system will be disturbed. The security system of the reserve provides protection not only for animals, but also for people who can be frightened by a running animal. Some animals are allowed to be fed for a nominal fee.
Opening hours
The zoo is open daily. There are summer and winter visiting schedules. Opening hours of the zoo in Munich in summer (April-October) - from 9:00 to 18:00. In winter (November-March) - from 9:00 to 17:00.
Ticket prices
Visitors to the zoo can get both a single ticket and purchase a subscription for a year. Discounts are also available for groups of 20 or more and parents with a child.
Prices of single tickets:
- adults - 15 euros;
- children 4-14 years old - 6 euros;
- adult + 1 child and more - 19 euros;
- two parents with one or more children - 33 euros.
Annual Membership Prices:
- adults - 49 euros;
- child - 25 euros;
- students, the elderly, the disabled - 42 euros;
- families - 49-98 euros (depending on the card).
Ticket price for groups over 20 people:
- adults - 11 euros;
- children - 6 euros.
For children under 4 years old and disabled people of the 1st group, admission is free.
How to get to the zoo in Munich
You can take the subway to your desired location by getting off at Thalkirchen station. Next, you will need to cross the Isar River and follow the signs. So you can easily get to the place. You can also take bus number 52 to the Zoo stop. If you prefer a car to public transport, you should take into account that parking is paid in the amount of 3.5 euros per hour. Zoo address in Munich: Animal park street, 30.
Visitor reviews
The zoo in Munich is popular with tourists. According to their observations, it is better to visit the reserve in the summer, as the animals can hide in their burrows or caves due to bad weather. In summer, the chances of enjoying a visit to the place increase significantly. Many visitors note a big plus in the vast territory of the reserve. There are no large crowds of people, you can safely walk around places of interest.
Children are delighted after visiting the zoo. They always have something to do, because there are several playgrounds on the territory. Tired parents can relax in cozy cafes, where they can recuperate and resume a tour of the zoo. Many visitors returned toreserve again and again, because at one time they did not have time to get acquainted with all the inhabitants.
