Zoo Zürich

The history of the Zurich Zoo

 

• 1925 Zoo enthusiasts founded the company in Zurich Zoo with the aim of establishing a zoo. The property is acquired and as Säntisblick Proposed site seeing.
• 1928 The Zoo Society is converted into an association to promote the zoo and the co-sponsorship Founded as a zoological garden. On 8 October is the groundbreaking ceremony for the Zurich Zoo.
• 1929 The zoo is on 7 September opened by Mayor Dr. Emil Klöti . On September 15, 20'835 people visit the zoo. Easter Surprise: The predator-school training of the trainer Havemann with eleven lions, a tiger and two baboons is a guest - at no extra charge! The new zoo restaurant (now the siesta and Outpost) is opened. The first full-time zoo director, Felix Hofmann, takes up his duties, he will replace the half-time operating Prof. Dr. Hans Steiner.
• 1935 The zoo offers an international exhibition in order to increase its attractiveness. A group of 65 Moroccans presented customs and craftsmanship. The tiger fountain in front of the zoo entrance is created by Rudolf Wening.
• 1940 On the first day of mobilization, five of the nine keeper where drawn to war. By voluntary helpers, operation can be maintained. The food supply is subject to severe conditions. Very cold temperatures and the coal shortage make that the animal houses at times prevail 10 ° C, which did harm mainly the cold-sensitive reptiles.
• 1943 The zoo leased land near Einsiedeln, in order to grain growing independently. Later, potatoes and corn are harvested.
• 1949 The zoo must close because of the rampant foot-and-mouth disease for three weeks. Revenues remain, for months, the zoo of the rural population shunned for fear of the disease spreading.
• 1951 The first permanent gardener comes to his work.
• 1952 The first neon sign of the Zoo lights up in the main train station.Zoo director Felix Hofmann published on 12 May in the "right people", an article titled: "Our Zurich Zoo is still in need of reform."
• 1953 Prof. Dr. Heini Hediger , former director of the Bern and Basel zoo Dählhölzli Zolli, is elected as the first zoologist to the new zoo director. This begins the era of scientifically managed Zurich Zoo.
• 1954 The zoo staff receives the 25-year anniversary with a bonus: more than 50-year-olds or 45-year-olds with at least 25 years of service, a fourth week of vacation is granted. A new labeling system, known as Hediger boards, informed at the enclosure about the various animal species. The system has gained acceptance in many zoos, and the test of time. The zoo is building the first open-air hall, which is considered a milestone in the bird's attitude.
• 1955 The magic mark of half a million visitors per year will be exceeded with 527'332 people for the first time.
• 1960 The zoo is recognized as a cultural institution of a charitable character, making it exempt from tax levies significantly.
• 1961 Zookeeper Heini Hediger drafted an overall plan for the further zooexpansion. With the opening of additional zoo grounds he wants to create separate areas for non-hoofed animals and ungulates, to avoid a full re-closure due to foot and mouth disease. The project can not be realized due to financial reasons.
• 1962 The population of Zurich is in favor with 215'959 yes and 44'228 no votes for subsidy payments by the city and canton in favor of the zoo. The entrance fee for adults is increased by one third to CHF 2.20.
• 1965 The so-called Africa home with rhinos and hippos, is officially opened.
• 1973 Dr. Peter Weilenmann takes office as new director of the zoo.
• 1976 The snow leopards get with the new system an attractive home.
• 1979 In the anniversary year, the 21st million paying person is visiting the zoo, a lady from Ulm, . She is delighted with the colorful bouquet of flowers. On the 50th Birthday of the Zoo, 7th September, the original ticket price of one franc is taken.
• 1981 The new animal protection regulation comes into force, stipulating the size of the enclosure. As a result, the zoo must renounce the number of individual species.
• 1982 The British chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall visited the zoo, when the chimpanzees are first confronted with the termite fishing, "Zurich style". Holes in the floor of an artificial termite with yogurt, where the chimpanzees can fish with sticks. The quarantine and the veterinary station to be opened
• 1984 On 27 July at 07.37 clock the elephant gives birth to her first Ceyla-Himali Jungesund thus provides the first young elephant at the zoo. The female cub is called Komali weighs 142 kg.
• 1985 In the Secretariat office of the first PC will be installed in order to benefit from the global network, particularly with the U.S. animal databases.
• 1989 In May, two Galapagos giant tortoise hatch - the first breeding success in Europe. After the construction of the exotic animal free flight area for the birds is even more attractive.
• 1991 Dr. Alex Ruebel is the new director of the zoo. For the 700-year anniversary of the Confederation India gives the Zurich Zoo two Indian lions. Alex Ruebel and landscape architect Walter Vetsch create a master plan for the further development of the zoo in 2020
• 1993 An orangutan is killed by a visitor with a poisoned bait. To avoid such incidents, several video cameras are installed at different locations.
• 1995 With the South American cloud forest system for spectacled bears and coatis, the first expansion step, according to Master Plan is achieved.
• 1996 The Zoo signed after long negotiations, a contract with the Government of Madagascar, which seeks to preserve the rain forest on the Masoala peninsula.
• 1999 At the General Assembly to convert the cooperative to the Zurich Zoo the stockcompany Zurich Zoo Aktiengesellschaft was decided.
• 2001 The Himalayan area is opened.
• .2002 The Zoolino opens its doors and inviting the kids to go, especially pet and pony rides.
• 2003 The Masoala Rainforest, a unique ecosystem hall, opens and brings tropical warmth on the mountain Zurich.
• 2004 The Zoo celebrates its 75th anniversary with a year of the lion. A new lion enclosure is planned.
• 2007 The entire facility for lions opens in 29th March 2007. In the Masoala rain forest are found in the spring with the discovery of young panther chameleons, the first successful breeding of this species in this ecosystem. The Siamkrokodile be released and replaced by Philippine crocodiles.
• 2008 On 31 October will be opened on 6300m2 of new habitat African Highlands. Dscheladas, Nubian ibex, rock hyrax and blue-winged geese are the pet population. December 2008, the race is on, the Zurich Zoo has begun planning a new elephant park.

Last visited 2020

Zoo Zürich
Zürichbergstrasse 221
CH-8044 Zürich

http://www.zootierliste.de/en/zoosmap.php?showzoo=10001057
 

Phone number 044 254 25 05
Fax number 044 254 25 10
E-mail zoo@zoo.ch  

Opened minimum 9 am - 5 pm

Entrance fee

• Adult 30,- CHF
• Youth (16-25) 25,- CHF
• Child (6-15) 16,- CHF
• Familycard** 80,- CHF

Seasoncards (Valid for 12 months)

• Adult 145,- CHF
• Youth (16-25) 100,- CHF
• Child (6-15) 75,- CHF
• Family** 230,- CHF
• Single parent* 190,- CHF

* Single parent cards are valid for 1 parent and hers/his children 
** Familly-cards are valid for 2 parents and the famillys children 

For kids there is a petting area and several playgrounds