Zoo Frankfurt

Zoo Frankfurt at Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1 in the Ostend district is one of the oldest zoos in Germany, founded in 1858, and today keeps about 4,500 animals. Its name on the main avenue honours Bernhard Grzimek, the zoologist and broadcaster who directed the zoo for nearly three decades after the Second World War and made it internationally known. Visitors typically spend three to four hours moving through a mix of historic and modern enclosures in the Hesse city. The Exotarium combines aquaria, reptile halls and a walk-through area presenting tropical habitats under one roof. The Borgori-Wald ape house offers close views of gorillas, orangutans and other primates in landscaped indoor and outdoor spaces, and the Grzimek-Haus reverses day and night so that nocturnal species can be seen active during the day. Outdoor areas house big cats, giraffes and other African and Asian species, and the zoo participates in European breeding programmes. Feeding times, which vary through the year, are posted at the entrance and are the best moments for seeing animals active. Mornings are generally the liveliest period, and animals often rest in the afternoon heat. Weekends, school holidays and sunny days bring large family crowds, while weekdays outside holidays are calmer. The zoo is directly connected to the U6 and U7 U-Bahn at the Zoo station, a two-minute walk from the gate, so no car is needed. Summer hours run until 7:00PM and winter hours until 5:00PM, with animal houses closing 30 minutes earlier. Admission is EUR 12 for adults and EUR 6 for children aged 6 to 17. Cafés and kiosks are spread through the grounds, and picnic areas allow families to bring their own food. Photography for personal use is allowed, though flash is discouraged in the animal houses.