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Duisburg Zoo
Address
Mülheimer Straße 273, 47058 Duisburg, Germany
Country
germany
Website
https://zoo-duisburg.deOpening Hours
Daily 9:00-17:30 (Summer), 9:00-16:00 (Winter). Open 365 days a year including holidays.
Popularity
Very High (1 million+ visitors annually - One of Germany's most visited zoos)
Germany's Premier Dolphinarium Zoo
Historic North Rhine-Westphalia Institution Duisburg Zoo, founded in 1934, represents one of Germany's largest and most visited zoological institutions. Located in the northern part of Duisburg's urban forest on the border with Mülheim, this exceptional zoo has earned international recognition for its groundbreaking marine mammal programs and diverse wildlife collection.
Europe's Dolphinarium Pioneer Home to Germany's largest dolphinarium since 1965, Duisburg Zoo was the first zoo in Central Europe to successfully keep and breed dolphins. The facility houses seven bottlenose dolphins in a 3-million-liter seawater pool with natural filtration systems, offering 2-3 spectacular shows daily that have captivated millions of visitors.
World-Renowned Koala Breeding Center Since 1994, Duisburg Zoo has served as Europe's koala breeding coordinator, making it one of the few zoos worldwide authorized to keep these unique Australian marsupials. The successful breeding program has attracted international attention and established Duisburg as a center for koala conservation and research.
Innovative Wildlife Conservation The zoo houses over 5,000 animals representing 280+ species across its 15.5-hectare grounds. Notable conservation successes include breeding programs for fossas (Madagascar carnivores), red river hogs, and various endangered species, demonstrating the zoo's commitment to global wildlife preservation.
Unique Bridge Design Federal highway A3 divides the zoo into western and eastern sections, connected by a scenic leafy bridge that makes the highway virtually invisible to visitors, creating a seamless natural experience throughout the facility.
Unique Features
- Germany's largest dolphinarium - 3-million-liter seawater pool with 7 bottlenose dolphins
- European koala breeding center - Only permanent koala facility in Germany
- Rio Negro tropical hall - Former Amazon river dolphin habitat with tropical species
- Chinese Garden - Partnership with Wuhan featuring authentic Asian design
- Highway bridge connection - Innovative design spanning A3 autobahn
Attractions in Duisburg Zoo
Duisburg Dolphinarium
Germany's Premier Dolphin Experience
Pioneering Marine Mammal Facility Germany's largest dolphinarium, featuring seven bottlenose dolphins in a revolutionary 3-million-liter seawater pool with natural air filtration systems. As Central Europe's first dolphinarium, this facility has set standards for marine mammal care and education for over 55 years.
Current Dolphin Population:
- Ivo (Male) - Experienced breeding male
- Pepina (Female) - Successful breeding female and show performer
- Delphi (Female) - Born 1992, zoo-born success story
- Daisy (Female) - Born 1996, second-generation zoo dolphin
- Dörte (Female) - Show performer and breeding female
- Debbie (Female) - Young adult female
- Dobbie (Male) - Juvenile male
Show Schedule: Daily performances 2-3 times showcasing dolphin intelligence, natural behaviors, and conservation education. Free viewing between shows on weekdays.
Conservation Breeding: Over 10 successful births since 1978, with ongoing breeding program contributing to dolphin conservation knowledge and captive population management.