Contents
Description
![A real eye-catcher: the blue peacock at the Thuringian Zoo Park in Erfurt.](https://media.tourispo.com/images/ecu/entity/e_sight/sight_thuringian-zoo-park-erfurt_n73323-173798-1_m.jpg)
With an area of almost 63 hectares, the Thuringian Zoo Park is the third largest zoo in Germany. Over around 48 hectares, the zoo in Erfurt, which opened in 1959, is home to almost 1000 animals of 160 different species. These include some endangered species. Some of them the zoo breeds itself. This makes it the most species-rich zoo in Thuringia. It is particularly characterised by its generously designed facilities, which are modelled on the natural habitat. Some of them are accessible to visitors, allowing you to experience some of the animals very close.
What to see
In over 20 different experience worlds, you can learn a lot about your fellow living beings. You can get close to the ring-tailed lemurs, Barbary macaques, kangaroos and fallow deer in their walk-through enclosures. Rare species are also at home in the Thuringian Zoo Park. These include the marmoset monkeys, whose natural habitat in Brazil is almost extinct. Or spectacled langurs, which can only be found in Germany at Thuringia Zoo Park. A wide variety of bird species can be found in their cages. The 15,000 m2 thorn bush savannah is home to African elephants. The zoo is characterised by the fact that different animal species live together wherever possible. There is a large aquarium in the cheetah house. It is home to a wide variety of fish and other animals of the sea.
Outside the tour
The zoo park is surrounded by a variety of possibilities to eat lunch. There is a water and a safari playground as well as a petting zoo for younger guests. There is a play world on the mountain plateau. A knowledge school, where you can learn about animals through play, is offered online. Anyone who has always wanted to become an animal keeper can make the dream come true. As an "animal keeper for a day", you can help the zookeepers and support them in their tasks. Throughout the year, a wide variety of events ensure an unforgettable programme. Specialist guide tours and birthday parties at the zoo park are also possible.
Species conservation as a main aspect
The park is actively involved in the World Zoo Conservation Strategy. This includes breeding, keeping, researching and supporting various projects. Every exhibition that can be visited at Thuringia Zoo Park is based on the educational principles of Education for Sustainable Development. If you are interested not only in the numerous animals but also in a more conscious approach to them, Erfurt Zoo Park is the right place for you.
How to get there
By car
There is a free car park directly in front of the main entrance.
By public transport
Take tram line 5 to the "Zoopark" stop. This is 300 metres from the main entrance. The "Thüringer Zoopark" stop can be reached by bus number 30. This is directly opposite the main entrance.