Germany > Lower Saxony > Hannover > Adventure Zoo in Hannover

Adventure Zoo in Hannover

Our rating: 8.80

2010-08-29

Hannover zoo was founded in 1865 and currently holds more than 3,500 animals. The zoo is very unusual and I would say it is one of the sights of the entire Germany, not only of Hannover. If you study its history, you'll undestand why.

Hannover zoo is the fifth oldest zoo in Germany. Due to the consequences of World War I government funds were needed to keep the zoo open. In 1922, when the zoo was no longer financially viable, it was closed. Two years later, in 1924, due to public pressure and private commitment by the animal trading company Ruhe, it was reopened with a lions' canyon and monkey rock. In 1932, Ruhe completely overtook the zoo and used it as a showcase for their pet shop. Often, the animals could only be seen for a few weeks before they were sold.

During World War II the zoo was badly damaged. In 1946, Ruhe restored some parts of the zoo and only a few animals could be seen until the reopening in 1950. Over the years to come, and with funds from municipal budget, new enclosures were built for rhinos, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, seals and penguins. At this time, Hannover zoo was renowned for its elephant breeding program: 10 Asian and 3 African elephants were born. In 1972, the zoo once again was overtaken by Hannover city.

In the early 1990s, the zoo was in a deep crisis, facing ever falling visitor numbers. In 1994, it was converted into a limited company and sold to Hannover Region. In just 15 years, Zoo Hannover GmbH’s "Zoo of the Future" World Exposition Project has revolutionized the European zoo world. 111.9 million € has been invested to transform a decaying municipal zoological garden into today’s Adventure Zoo.

Since the year 2000, more than a million people visit the zoo annually. In 2005, the Winter-Zoo was introduced, in 2007 the children's paradise Mollywoop was opened, in spring 2010 the Australian Outback and in May 2010 the seventh theme world followed. With the opening of the Canadian theme world "Yukon Bay", a world record of five Asian baby elephants in one calendar year and the 2009/10 "Best Zoo" award, Hannover Adventure Zoo is nowadays one of the leading zoos in Germany. Every year more than 1.6 million visitors are enchanted by seven unique theme worlds.

Adventure Zoo in Hannover ©Yuriy Buriak

Getting there: 1) By bus #128 from the train station in Hannover. 2) By tram #1 or #2 to the Aegidientorplatz station and then by tram #11 to the end.

Tags, Germany: animals, zoo
Tags, all countries: animals, zoo

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0.20 km