Wuppertal Zoo
A green oasis on a hillside, Wuppertal Zoo offers naturalistic habitats for diverse animals, from penguins to big cats, perfect for family adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Wuppertal Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A green oasis on a hillside, Wuppertal Zoo offers naturalistic habitats for diverse animals, from penguins to big cats, perfect for family adventures.
"One of the best zoos I’ve visited! The Antarctic zone was an amazing experience."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking up and down slopes. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧 Rent a Wagon
Perfect for little legs on the hilly terrain. Makes exploring much easier for families. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Paradise
Antarctic Zone
An immersive underwater tunnel offers a unique perspective on playful penguins in their simulated natural habitat.
Majestic Big Cats
Tiger and Lion Enclosures
Witness tigers and lions in spacious, naturalistic enclosures designed for their well-being and your viewing pleasure.
Playful Primates
Ape Enclosure
Engaging ape exhibits provide excellent visibility, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors in a well-designed space.
Gentle Giants
Elephant Habitat
Observe elephants in a spacious and well-maintained habitat, designed for both animal welfare and visitor enjoyment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hills!
Sunday Funday, Zoo Style
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking up and down slopes. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧 Rent a Wagon
Perfect for little legs on the hilly terrain. Makes exploring much easier for families. :child:
🚊 Ride the Schwebebahn
The iconic monorail is a fun way to arrive and operates on Sundays too! :train:
💰 Pack Snacks
While the restaurant is good, bringing your own snacks can save money. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The zoo is hilly! Be prepared for lots of walking up and down slopes. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧 Rent a Wagon
Perfect for little legs on the hilly terrain. Makes exploring much easier for families. :child:
🚊 Ride the Schwebebahn
The iconic monorail is a fun way to arrive and operates on Sundays too! :train:
💰 Pack Snacks
While the restaurant is good, bringing your own snacks can save money. :moneybag:
☀️ Seek Shade
Plenty of trees offer natural shade, especially in the wooded sections. Great for hot days. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wuppertal Zoo is praised for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures and diverse animal collection, offering a peaceful, park-like experience. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and the unique hillside setting. However, some find certain enclosures too small for specific animals, leading to concerns about animal welfare.
"Very nice zoo, nice setup and a lot of animals you don’t see in most other zoos.
Kids up to 14 have free entrance, with tripper there is a nice discount.
Going there with the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn makes it extra exciting."
Ronald Hollands
"Great, natural-like grounds with large enclosures and plenty of retreat space for the animals. Due to the hillside location, there is a lot of going up and down, but you can rent wagons for small children. Many lovingly designed playgrounds are scattered throughout the area, so the little ones can let off steam in between. There is also plenty of shade from trees, including small wooded sections. The zoo restaurant offers a good compromise between your typical currywurst/fries and delicious, healthy dishes at a fair price."
Bartlomiej Kruczek
"The Wuppertaler Zoo offers a truly enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages, especially families with young children. Nestled in a beautifully green and lush landscape, the zoo is surrounded by dense vegetation that creates a peaceful, almost park-like atmosphere. The natural environment enhances the overall experience and makes for a pleasant day outdoors.
The variety of animals is impressive, ranging from native European species to exotic creatures. While the zoo does boast a considerable selection, I did notice that some iconic African wildlife such as giraffes were missing, which might be a minor letdown for visitors hoping for a complete “safari” experience. Nevertheless, the animals that are present are housed in thoughtfully designed enclosures.
Among the highlights:
• The ape enclosure is particularly engaging, offering good visibility and space for the animals to display natural behaviors.
• The elephant habitat is well-maintained and spacious, with a layout that allows for good viewing without disturbing the animals.
• The penguin enclosure deserves a special mention for its well-crafted and immersive design, which simulates their natural environment effectively.
Children are especially well catered for at Wuppertaler Zoo. The petting zoo, home to friendly goats and donkeys, is a delightful and interactive area for kids. There are also several playgrounds scattered throughout the zoo, which provide fun breaks between animal exhibits and allow younger visitors to burn off energy.
There is an on-site restaurant, which offers a decent selection of meals and refreshments. The food is of good quality, but it is slightly on the expensive side, so budget-conscious visitors may wish to plan accordingly.
Overall, the Wuppertaler Zoo provides a relaxing and enriching outing, especially for families. The combination of nature, education, and play makes it a destination well worth visiting."
Onur Dogan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wuppertal Zoo is easily accessible by public transport. The iconic Wuppertal Schwebebahn (monorail) is a popular and exciting way to reach the zoo, with a stop conveniently located nearby. Driving is also an option, and parking is generally available close to the entrance, which is a plus compared to some other city zoos.
Yes, Wuppertal Zoo is accessible by car. Many visitors find parking relatively easy to find close to the entrance, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by vehicle.
On Sundays, the Wuppertal Schwebebahn operates, making it a fantastic and scenic option for reaching the zoo. It's a unique experience that adds to the day's adventure.
From Düsseldorf, it takes approximately 40 minutes by car to reach Wuppertal Zoo. Public transport options are also available and generally take a similar amount of time.
The zoo's hillside location means you'll be doing a lot of walking. Consider using the Schwebebahn for a fun arrival and then exploring the zoo on foot, or utilize the rental wagons for younger children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Children up to 14 years old often get free entry, and there are discounts available for families or groups with a 'tripper' ticket. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
Yes, Wuppertal Zoo offers discounts, particularly for families. Children up to 14 often have free admission, and group tickets or 'tripper' tickets can provide further savings.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, purchasing tickets online in advance is generally recommended for popular attractions to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Wuppertal Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, Wuppertal Zoo hosts special events like 'Elephant Day,' featuring commented training sessions and insights into elephant conservation. Keep an eye on their announcements for such engaging activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the penguin enclosure with its underwater tunnel, the spacious habitats for tigers, lions, and elephants, and the engaging ape exhibits. You might also spot kangaroos and various bird species.
Absolutely! The zoo has numerous playgrounds scattered throughout, a petting zoo with friendly animals, and rental wagons for navigating the hills. The natural setting is also very appealing for kids.
The zoo is situated on a hillside, meaning there's a lot of uphill and downhill walking. This can be challenging but also offers unique vantage points. Rental wagons are available for children.
Yes, Wuppertal Zoo has many lovingly designed playgrounds scattered throughout the grounds, offering children fun breaks between animal exhibits.
Highlights include the immersive penguin enclosure, spacious big cat habitats, engaging ape exhibits, and the well-maintained elephant area. The overall naturalistic setup is also a major draw.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo restaurant offers a good balance between typical fast food like currywurst and fries, and healthier, delicious dishes at fair prices. It's a decent compromise for visitors.
The food quality is good, but it can be slightly on the expensive side. Budget-conscious visitors might consider bringing their own snacks or a packed lunch.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally accepted at most zoos to bring your own snacks and drinks. This can be a good way to manage costs, especially for families.
The zoo restaurant offers a 'good compromise' between typical fast food and healthy dishes, suggesting a variety of options are likely available. It's best to inquire directly or check their menu for specific dietary choices.
You can expect a pleasant dining experience at the zoo restaurant, offering a range of meals from quick bites to more substantial dishes, all within a natural, green setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The penguin enclosure's underwater tunnel offers unique shots. The spacious enclosures for big cats and elephants provide great opportunities to capture animals in naturalistic settings. The lush greenery also makes for beautiful scenic photos.
The recently born tiger cubs have been a hit for photographers. The playful penguins, majestic elephants, and active apes are also excellent subjects for capturing memorable photos.
The zoo has a lot of natural light due to its green setting. Mornings often provide softer light, while afternoons can be brighter. Some indoor exhibits might have specific lighting conditions.
The enclosures are designed for good visibility, but animals can be active or retreat. Patience is key. The naturalistic design means you might capture them in more natural poses, which can be very rewarding.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage and animal welfare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for a full day of exploration, and consider packing snacks to manage costs, as the on-site restaurant can be a bit pricey. The zoo's natural setting and engaging exhibits make it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Green Zoo Experience
The zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident in its spacious enclosures. For instance, the tiger and lion habitats are designed to give these big cats ample room to roam and exhibit natural behaviors. Similarly, the elephant habitat is well-maintained and spacious, allowing for good viewing without disturbing the animals. This focus on natural environments is a key reason why many visitors find the zoo to be a truly enjoyable and enriching outing.
Beyond the larger animals, the penguin enclosure is a standout feature, offering an incredible underwater tunnel that provides a unique view of their aquatic antics. The ape enclosure is also particularly engaging, with good visibility and space for the animals to display their natural behaviors. These well-crafted exhibits contribute to the zoo's reputation as a place that prioritizes both education and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Navigating the Hills and Playgrounds
To break up the exploration and keep younger visitors entertained, the zoo has numerous playgrounds thoughtfully scattered throughout the grounds. These play areas provide excellent opportunities for children to burn off energy and have fun between animal exhibits. Coupled with the petting zoo, which features friendly goats and donkeys, these amenities make Wuppertal Zoo a fantastic destination for families.
The zoo also offers plenty of shade from trees, including small wooded sections, making it a comfortable place to visit even on warmer days. This combination of natural beauty, engaging animal exhibits, and family-friendly facilities ensures a memorable experience for all ages.
Conservation and Community Views
However, it's worth noting that there are differing perspectives on zoos. Some groups, like PETA, advocate against zoos, viewing them as 'prisons' for animals and highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding animal captivity. While the Wuppertal Zoo strives for naturalistic enclosures and animal welfare, these critical viewpoints exist within the broader discussion about zoos and their role in society.
Despite these differing opinions, many visitors find the zoo to be a place of wonder and learning. The opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, from native European species to exotic creatures, in thoughtfully designed habitats is a significant draw for many, contributing to a positive overall experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit