Basel Zoo is situated in 12 hectares, roughly 24 acres, of magnificent parkland in the heart of the city. You are more likely to see our animals by chance than by design. It is designed to stimulate your imagination, make your stay in our zoo enjoyable and provide lasting memories of your visit. Additional information can be found on notice boards situated by each enclosure throughout the zoo.

… whatever the weather and whatever the season. Watch nature awakening in spring and see all the baby animals, or let your children get close up to the animals in our children’s zoo. Whether standing under shady trees watching elephants during the heat of summer, studying our nearest relatives in the monkey house, immersing yourself among coral reefs or in the Amazon in the heated vivarium in winter, or enjoying the interactive exhibition in the Gamgoas house, Basel Zoo offers you an exciting experience at any time of the year.

Please read the information boards at the entrances. These will tell you which baby animals can be seen on the day of your visit.

You are allowed to take photographs or use camcorders from all the marked paths and inside the animal houses, except where expressly asked not to do so. Our animal enclosures are laid out in such a way that you can take close-up photos without any barriers spoiling the picture. Never attempt to climb over the railings or fences. You might endanger your own life, or the life of someone copying your action, and you will frighten our animals. Special permission is required from the zoo directors for any photographs intended for commercial use.

Animals spend much of their time resting. In nature films we are given a false impression of the pace of an animal’s day. Documentary films show us one actionpacked scene after another; wild animals’ lives are shown in highlights so that we can see as many aspects of their behaviour and way of life as possible. A visit to the zoo is quite the opposite. Here you will discover that resting is an important occupation for wild animals and is not a sign of boredom. Resting fulfils many purposes, such as conserving energy, chewing the cud, or relaxing after an activity. Some important activities often look like lazing around, for example when pelicans preen their feathers, elephants take a mud bath or crocodiles lie in the sun. Take a closer look at “bored” animals!

Feeding our animals is forbidden throughout the entire zoo. Giving each animal species – we have over 600! – an appropriate diet demands specialist knowledge. Visitors who feed the animals interfere with this controlled diet, and put the animals’ health at risk.

Feeding times at particular enclosures are indicated in the text. Some species – especially the large carnivores – are deliberately fed at varying times of day so that they do not become accustomed to a routine.

Basel Zoological Garden adheres to a worldwide zoo and aquarium nature conservation strategy. This means that it has to keep its zoo animals in ideal conditions, and also educate and provide information for the public.

In the Zolli (from zoological garden), as our zoo is affectionately known by the people of Basel, you may sometimes find a building site getting in your way as you stroll round these beautiful zoological gardens. However, these building sites are part and parcel of keeping a zoo up-to-date.

Knowledge of wild animals’ lifestyle, social communities and zoo biology is increasing rapidly. For this reason Basel Zoo constantly monitors the conditions under which the animals are kept and adapts them to the animals’ and visitors’ needs as follows: Keeping up with scientific advances in zoo biology: new knowledge on keeping particular species and on their lifestyle may mean having to modify the enclosures from time to time.

Running the zoo: facilities in zoos get older, like us all. Structural or mechanical defects in animal houses may mean that enclosures are no longer adequate and have to be repaired or taken down and completely rebuilt. Visitor needs: visitors should see the animals in up-to-date enclosures and be given interesting information on animals and ecosystems. Zoo animals are like ambassadors for their species, pleading for the protection of their habitats. Affordability: the animal enclosures are highly specialised unique structures and need adequate funding. Basel Zoo cannot provide this funding from its own income and depends on gifts and donations. New enclosures can be built only when the necessary funds are available.

The domino effect: Basel Zoo is situated right in the heart of the city. There is no room for it to expand. If an enclosure is altered, moved or enlarged this has a knock-on effect on other enclosures and their occupants. This sometimes means that animals not directly affected by the actual project have to be given to other zoos or moved.

Do you have a favourite animal? We would be delighted if you decide to adopt one. If you do so, your donation will go towards covering the cost of food and providing activities to keep the animals occupied, and you will thereby make an important contribution to our work. A big thank you in advance on behalf of all our animals.

The penguins go on their walk when the temperature falls below 10°C (normally from November to February). Meet at 11:00 am near the main entrance.

Basel Zoo is a non-profit-making public-limited company. It relies on contributions, donations and legacies. Your visit and use of our services support Basel Zoo. You can also support us by booking a guided tour, a banquet in the zoo restaurant or by adopting an animal.