Duisburg Zoo
A diverse zoo featuring big cats, primates, and unique species like koalas, with a popular dolphinarium and family-friendly attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Duisburg Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A diverse zoo featuring big cats, primates, and unique species like koalas, with a popular dolphinarium and family-friendly attractions.
"Great value for money and the highlight and the crowd pleaser is the Dolphin show."
🎯 Check Dolphin Show Times
Showtimes can vary; check the schedule upon arrival to catch the popular dolphin show!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and parking can be up to 1km away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphinarium
Dolphinarium
Captivating dolphin shows offer a blend of grace, power, and joy, making it a crowd-pleasing highlight for all ages.
Koalas & Unique Wildlife
Various enclosures
See unique species like koalas, Tasmanian devils, and manatees, alongside familiar favorites like tigers and elephants.
Spacious & Natural Habitats
Throughout the zoo
Enjoy a walk through green, natural environments where animals have ample space, mimicking their natural niches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Dolphin Show
Parking & Walking Distances
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Dolphin Show Times
Showtimes can vary; check the schedule upon arrival to catch the popular dolphin show!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and parking can be up to 1km away.
💰 Cash for Parking
Parking fees are typically cash-only at the entrance.
📸 Great for Photography
Many enclosures offer good visibility for capturing memorable animal shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Dolphin Show Times
Showtimes can vary; check the schedule upon arrival to catch the popular dolphin show!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, and parking can be up to 1km away.
💰 Cash for Parking
Parking fees are typically cash-only at the entrance.
📸 Great for Photography
Many enclosures offer good visibility for capturing memorable animal shots.
🍎 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Limited dining options; bring your own food for a picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Duisburg Zoo is generally well-regarded for its diverse animal collection, including unique species like koalas and a well-executed dolphin show. Visitors appreciate the spacious, naturalistic enclosures and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds. However, some areas show signs of age, and parking can be inconveniently located.
"Quite cool zoo.
Positive: nice variety of animals. All are well fed and taken care. Surrounded by a green, natural and beautiful environment.
The delfinarium is fun.
You could see tigers, gorillas, giraffes, red pandas, elephants and many more.
Toilets and restaurants are available.
The price is not that bad.
Negative: the parking is 1 km away, at least. You have to walk through a path that is next to a highway where cars go fast. It doesn't feel too convenient if you go with kids. The day fee is 5€ and you have to pay in cash at the entrance."
A. S.
"We recently visited Duisburg Zoo, and overall, it was a great but mixed experience.
👍 What I Liked:
The zoo features some unique animals you don’t usually see in other German zoos—like red panda, koalas, manatees, elephants, and even Tasmanian devils, which was a nice surprise.
The layout is quite spacious and natural, with wooded surroundings and open paths. It felt more like a walk in the park with animal stops along the way. Big animals like elephants have enough space for themselves, and the zoo even mimic what's their real niche.
They also have colourful aquariums with beautiful corals and farms.
Great for families! There are playgrounds and picnic areas scattered around, making it easy to spend a full day with kids.
For photography lovers, it’s a solid spot. Many enclosures offer good visibility without too much glare or obstruction.
What Could Be Better:
Some parts of the zoo feel a bit dated. A few enclosures could definitely use a facelift or renovation. I did have concerns about animal welfare, especially with the gorillas and elephants—some seemed anxious or restless.
Great value for money and the highlight and the crowd pleaser is the Dolphin show. They have names like Delfin, Delfina, Daisy..
🎟️ Practical Info:
Entrance fee: ~€19.50 for adults, ~€11 for kids."
Gee Ong-Vasile
"That was awesome. Very huge area. Need 3-4 hours minimum. My advice - take your time, make a plan, have a fun. Don't miss the delphinium show."
Tural Mammadov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Duisburg Zoo is located at Mülheimer Str. 273, 47058 Duisburg. You can reach it by public transport, with connections from Duisburg Hauptbahnhof (main station). Driving is also an option, but be aware that parking is often about 1 km away and may require cash payment.
Yes, parking is available, but it's typically located about 1 km from the zoo entrance. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a convenient spot.
Absolutely! Duisburg Zoo is well-connected by public transport. You can take trams and buses from the city center and the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
The zoo is accessible by car via major roads. The address is Mülheimer Str. 273, 47058 Duisburg. Be prepared for potential parking challenges and fees.
While the zoo aims to be accessible, some older parts might present challenges. It's recommended to check with the zoo directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are approximately €19.50 for adults and €11 for children (ages 3-17). Discounted rates are also available.
Yes, discounted tickets are offered for adults and children. Some visitors have also found discounted tickets through energy providers.
Opening hours vary seasonally. In winter (November-February), the zoo is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's best to check the official website for current hours.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check the official Duisburg Zoo website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Weekends, especially during peak season and show times, can be quite crowded. Visiting on weekdays or arriving early can offer a less crowded experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique koalas, Tasmanian devils, and manatees. The dolphins are a major highlight, and you can also see tigers, gorillas, giraffes, and red pandas.
Yes, Duisburg Zoo is family-friendly with playgrounds and picnic areas scattered throughout, making it a great place for a full day out with kids.
The dolphin show is a very popular attraction, known for its impressive displays of dolphin acrobatics and behavior. It's highly recommended to check showtimes upon arrival.
Yes, many enclosures offer good visibility without excessive glare, making it a solid spot for photography enthusiasts.
Duisburg Zoo hosts events like 'Zoolichter' (zoo lights) during certain times of the year, offering a magical experience with light installations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo primarily offers snack bars and a mini-cafe. There isn't a full-service restaurant, so many visitors recommend bringing your own food and drinks.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a good idea, as dining options within the zoo are limited to snacks and cafes.
Indeed, there are picnic areas available, which is convenient for families and visitors who prefer to bring their own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Many enclosures provide good viewing angles for photography. The dolphin shows and various animal habitats offer excellent opportunities.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash where it might disturb the animals.
Yes, you can photograph the dolphin shows, but be aware of the fast-paced action and potential for water spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with kids, consider the parking situation, as it can be a walk from the car park. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea due to limited dining options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The zoo's naturalistic setting provides beautiful backdrops, and special events like 'Zoolichter' offer unique evening photography opportunities.
Remember to be mindful of animal welfare and avoid disruptive photography practices. 🌍 Ethical Travelers
While the zoo aims to provide naturalistic habitats, some enclosures have been noted as appearing dated, and concerns about animal welfare have been raised by some visitors. For those prioritizing ethical tourism, it's advisable to research the zoo's current animal welfare practices and conservation efforts. Engaging with information from animal welfare groups can provide a more comprehensive understanding before your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dolphinarium: A Controversial Highlight
+1 However, the presence of dolphins in captivity has also drawn criticism from animal welfare organizations. Groups like Dolphin Project have protested at the zoo, advocating for the dolphins' freedom and questioning the ethics of keeping them in a stadium environment. Visitors interested in the dolphin shows should be aware of this ongoing debate surrounding animal welfare in zoos. Despite the controversy, the dolphin shows remain a popular draw for many visitors, offering a glimpse into the intelligence and agility of these marine mammals. The zoo provides specific showtimes, and arriving early is recommended to secure good viewing spots.
For those considering a visit, it's worth researching the ethical considerations surrounding marine mammal captivity alongside the entertainment value of the shows.
Zoo Zajac: More Than Just a Zoo
Discussions on platforms like TikTok and Reddit highlight the sheer scale of Zoo Zajac, with some expressing awe and others questioning the ethics of such extensive animal sales.
If you're planning a trip to the Duisburg area and are interested in animals beyond the typical zoo experience, Zoo Zajac is a noteworthy, albeit different, attraction to consider.
Photography Opportunities at Duisburg Zoo
+1 The zoo's naturalistic habitats, with their green surroundings and open paths, contribute to aesthetically pleasing backdrops for your shots. Special events like the 'Zoolichter' (zoo lights) provide a unique photographic opportunity during the evening, with artistic light installations transforming the zoo into a magical spectacle.
This event is particularly noted as being suitable for hobby photographers. When photographing, remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors. While personal photography is generally permitted, avoid using flash where it might disturb the animals, and be mindful of any specific zoo regulations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit