Germany's Most Innovative Zoo Experience

Themed World Adventure Established in 1936 as a domestic animal garden, Osnabrück Zoo has evolved into one of Germany's most innovative zoological experiences. Spanning 23.5 hectares, it houses over 2,700 animals from nearly 300 species across 12 distinct themed worlds, from North Sea coast recreation to African savanna.

World's Only Underground Zoo The revolutionary Underground Zoo, opened in 2009, provides 500 square meters of walk-through tunnels where visitors observe prairie dogs, naked mole rats, and other burrowing animals in their natural underground habitat through glass-enclosed passageways.

Immersive Themed Environments Each themed area recreates authentic global ecosystems: Samburu African savanna, Angkor Wat Asian temple landscape, Kajanaland Nordic taiga, and Takamanda African rainforest. These environments provide both animals and visitors with authentic cultural and ecological experiences.

Conservation and Education Leadership The zoo actively supports international conservation projects, including the Tapir Protection Project 'Tajya-Saruta' since 2003, funded by sales of artwork created by Buschi, the famous painting orangutan.

World's First Underground Zoo Experience

Revolutionary Subterranean Habitat The world's only Underground Zoo provides visitors with unprecedented insights into the secret lives of burrowing animals through glass-enclosed tunnel systems that allow observation of natural underground behaviors.

Unique Features:

Walk-through tunnels - 500m² of subterranean pathways
Glass-enclosed habitats - Direct observation of burrowing behaviors
Specialized bat grotto - Moonlit environment for nocturnal species
Educational displays - Underground ecosystem information
Research capabilities - Behavioral studies of fossorial species

Conservation Impact: Highlights the importance of underground ecosystems and the specialized adaptations required for subterranean life, often overlooked in traditional zoo settings.

Authentic African Savanna Experience

Comprehensive African Ecosystem Modeled after Kenya's Samburu National Reserve, this expansive area recreates authentic African savanna conditions with diverse species coexisting in naturalistic environments.

Habitat Features:

Multi-species savanna - Large open areas supporting multiple African species
Lion territory - Spacious pride areas with elevated viewing
Giraffe feeding platform - Interactive feeding experiences
Waterhole recreation - Authentic African landscape elements
Educational walkways - Information about African conservation

Conservation Connection: Supports field conservation projects in Kenya while educating visitors about African ecosystem challenges and human-wildlife conflict issues.

Authentic Asian Temple Experience

Cultural and Wildlife Integration Based on Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat temple complex, this area combines authentic Asian architecture with diverse Asian species, creating an immersive cultural and natural experience.

Temple Features:

Walk-in monkey temple - Direct access to primate habitats
Tiger territory - Spacious Asian tiger enclosure
Hominid house - Great ape facilities with research capabilities
Red panda habitat - Himalayan species in appropriate climate
Cultural education - Asian conservation and cultural awareness

Famous Resident: Home to Buschi, the painting orangutan whose artwork sales support the Tapir Protection Project 'Tajya-Saruta' in South America since 2003.

Unique Canopy-Level Zoo Experience

Elevated Forest Exploration Modeled after northern European taiga landscape, Kajanaland features Germany's only zoo treetop path, allowing visitors to observe Nordic animals from canopy level up to 6 meters high.

Innovative Features:

Treetop walkway - Unique perspective on animal behavior
Elevated viewing - Observation from natural predator/prey viewpoints
Nordic ecosystem - Authentic taiga environment recreation
Multi-species habitat - Large mammals and smaller forest species
Educational interpretation - Nordic ecosystem and climate information

Research Value: Provides unique research opportunities for studying animal behavior from elevated perspectives, contributing to understanding of vertical habitat use.

Osnabrück Zoo

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Germany's Most Innovative Zoo Experience

Attractions in Osnabrück Zoo

Underground Zoo

World's First Underground Zoo Experience

Samburu African Savanna

Authentic African Savanna Experience

Angkor Wat Asian Temple Complex

Authentic Asian Temple Experience

Kajanaland Treetop Path

Unique Canopy-Level Zoo Experience