Dresden Zoo
Address
Tiergartenstraße 1, 01219 Dresden, Germany
Country
germany
Website
https://www.zoo-dresden.deOpening Hours
Daily 8:30-18:30 (March 28-October 3), 8:30-17:30 (October 4-31), 8:30-16:30 (November 1-February 11). Open 365 days a year including holidays.
Popularity
High (500,000+ visitors annually - Central Germany's premier zoo)
Germany's Fourth Oldest Zoo
Historic Central Dresden Institution Dresden Zoo, founded in 1861, stands as Germany's fourth oldest zoological garden and one of Central Europe's most distinguished wildlife institutions. Located on the southern edge of the magnificent Großer Garten park in Dresden's city center, this historic zoo combines 164 years of zoological expertise with modern conservation leadership.
Peter Joseph Lenné Design Legacy Originally designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné, the zoo's 13-hectare layout harmoniously integrates with Dresden's Great Garden, creating a seamless blend of urban parkland and wildlife sanctuary. The thoughtful design emphasizes natural landscapes while providing optimal animal habitats and visitor experiences.
Asian Species Specialization Dresden Zoo has earned international recognition for its exceptional Asian animal collection, featuring species from across the continent in carefully designed habitats. The zoo's focus on Asian fauna reflects decades of specialized expertise and conservation partnerships throughout Asia.
Educational Excellence Center Home to Dresden's largest scientific educational institute, the zoo has operated its renowned Zoo School since 1969, providing hands-on environmental education to thousands of students annually. The facility serves as a regional center for conservation education and ecological awareness.
Historic Conservation Achievements The zoo gained worldwide attention in 1927 for successfully documenting the first natural rearing of an orangutan baby by its mother. This groundbreaking achievement under director Gustav Brandes established Dresden Zoo's reputation for innovative animal care and scientific research.
Unique Features
- Prof. Brandes House - Historic building housing koalas, primates, and tropical species
- Daily Koala Feeding - Famous 9:30 AM feeding sessions with educational commentary
- Underground Entrance Slide - Unique children's slide leading to underground zoo areas
- Großer Garten Integration - Seamless connection with Dresden's premier city park
- Asian Species Focus - Specialized collection emphasizing Asian wildlife conservation
Attractions in Dresden Zoo
Prof. Brandes House
Historic Conservation Center
Memorial to Zoological Excellence Named after legendary director Prof. Gustav Brandes (1910-1934), this historic building houses Dresden Zoo's most famous residents and represents the zoo's commitment to groundbreaking animal care and conservation research.
Koala Conservation Program:
- Daily feeding sessions - Famous 9:30 AM educational demonstrations
- Weekly weigh-ins - Wednesdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM
- Fresh eucalyptus delivery - Daily specialized diet preparation
- Behavioral observation - Close interaction between keepers and koalas
- Educational programs - Conservation awareness about Australian wildlife
Diverse Species Collection: The building houses an remarkable variety of species including primates, two-fingered sloths, armadillos, various insects, and the famous 4-meter Sunda Gavial crocodile 'De Gaulle'.
Conservation Education: Serves as a center for tropical species conservation education, highlighting threats to rainforest ecosystems and endangered species protection efforts.