Tiergarten Nürnberg (Nuremberg Zoo)
Address
Am Tiergarten 30, 90480 Nürnberg, Germany
Country
germany
Opening Hours
Daily 8:00-19:30 (April-September), 9:00-16:30 (October-March). Animal houses close 15 minutes earlier. Extended summer hours until 19:30.
Popularity
Very High (1+ million visitors annually - one of Europe's largest zoos)
One of Europe's Most Beautiful Landscape Zoos
Unique Natural Setting Tiergarten Nürnberg is renowned as one of Europe's most beautiful zoological gardens, nestled in the Nuremberg Imperial Forest (Reichswald) on 67 hectares of stunning landscape. Ancient trees, idyllic woodlands, and dramatic red sandstone rock formations create natural enclosures that seamlessly blend with the environment.
Historic Significance and Rebuilding Founded in 1912, the zoo was forced to relocate due to Nazi Party Rally Ground construction and was 90% destroyed during WWII. The remarkable post-war reconstruction created a modern zoo that honors both its historical legacy and commitment to conservation excellence.
Revolutionary Dolphin Facilities Home to Germany's first outdoor dolphin lagoon, the zoo pioneered marine mammal care with innovative facilities for dolphins and sea lions. The adjacent Manatee House creates tropical Amazon conditions for these gentle giants and diverse tropical species.
Conservation Leadership Participates in 46 international breeding programs and serves as a partner zoo of the Species Conservation Foundation. The facility maintains one of Europe's most successful manatee breeding programs and contributes significantly to global conservation efforts.
Unique Features
- Outdoor Dolphin Lagoon - Germany's first outdoor dolphin and sea lion facility
- Manatee House - Tropical Amazon environment with underwater viewing
- Miniature Railway - 'Kleine Adler' 1:2 replica of Germany's first steam locomotive
- Red Sandstone Formations - Natural rock enclosures integrated into landscape
- Aqua Park - Extensive water landscape for polar bears, penguins, and marine mammals
Attractions in Tiergarten Nürnberg (Nuremberg Zoo)
Outdoor Dolphin Lagoon
Germany's Pioneer Marine Mammal Facility
Revolutionary Outdoor Design The first outdoor dolphin lagoon in Germany, featuring innovative design that allows dolphins and sea lions to perform and interact in natural outdoor conditions year-round.
Lagoon Features:
- Large outdoor pools - Spacious swimming areas for natural behaviors
- Performance amphitheater - Educational shows with conservation messaging
- Underwater viewing areas - Observe marine mammals from below water level
- Breeding facilities - Successful dolphin and sea lion reproduction
- Educational programs - Marine conservation awareness and behavior studies
Conservation Impact: Demonstrates marine mammal intelligence while promoting ocean conservation and responsible marine ecosystem stewardship.
Visitor Experience: Daily shows combine entertainment with education about marine mammal behavior, intelligence, and conservation challenges.