Zoo Dresden

Zoo Dresden is one of Germany's older zoos, located at Tiergartenstraße 1 in the Südvorstadt district of Dresden, in Saxony, next to the Großer Garten. It was founded in 1861 and covers around 13 hectares, with more than 1,500 animals of roughly 250 species. The grounds are laid out on a hillside with paths winding between enclosures and trees. Highlights include the Africa house and the savannah area, the Asian elephants and rhinoceros, the big cat enclosures with lions and tigers, the penguins, the giraffe house, the Tierpark's large aviary and a reptile house. Other areas cover Madagascar's lemurs, the Australian section and a children's zoo where young visitors can see and touch farm animals. Several of the older animal houses are listed buildings, and the zoo is known for its breeding programmes for endangered species. A visit usually takes three to four hours, with a rest at one of the cafes or playgrounds. Feeding times for sea lions, penguins and large cats are posted at the entrance and are the best moments to watch the animals active. Mornings are generally the most active, and the zoo is busiest on summer weekends, school holidays and warm days, while weekday mornings in spring and autumn are quieter. The entrance is on the east side of the Großer Garten, reached by tram to the Zoo stop in about 12 minutes from the Altmarkt, so a combined day with the park is easy. Photography is welcome, but visitors should not use flash near the animals. Adult tickets cost about EUR 17, children and families pay less, and annual passes are available. The zoo closes around 17:00 to 18:00 depending on the season.