Zoo in Zurich

A visit to a zoo in Zurich is among the favourite ways to spend time for families and animal lovers. These places offer a chance to see wildlife from around the world. MakeMyTrip features 84 zoo attractions in Zurich for 2025, each with safe enclosures and engaging exhibits. From exotic animals to interactive spaces for children, every corner of the zoo is designed to educate and entertain. Shaded areas, cafes and rest stops make it easy to spend a full day exploring. With Zurich zoo ticket prices starting from INR 1611, it’s an affordable outing for all ages. Spend time with your loved ones this December by booking your Zurich zoo tickets through MakeMyTrip.

Zoos in Zurich: Complete Guide to Wildlife and Visitor Experiences

Zurich is celebrated for its balance of history, culture, and natural beauty. Alongside medieval churches, modern art galleries, high-end shopping streets, and the serene waters of Lake Zurich, the city offers something equally compelling: green spaces dedicated to wildlife. These zoological spaces bring global ecosystems into one setting, giving both residents and visitors a chance to explore nature in ways that are immersive and thought-provoking.

Visiting a zoo in Zurich goes beyond traditional animal viewing. The focus here is on creating living habitats that echo rainforests, savannas, and alpine landscapes. Carefully designed exhibits allow animals to thrive in surroundings that mirror their natural homes, while visitors enjoy a sense of discovery through winding trails, observation decks, and themed zones. It is a journey through different continents without leaving Switzerland.

These spaces also carry a serious mission. They connect leisure with learning, showing the importance of biodiversity and conservation through interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling. For families, they provide education wrapped in fun. For photographers, they reveal dramatic natural scenes. And for curious travellers, they serve as gateways into understanding the fragile ecosystems of our planet. In every sense, a zoo in Zurich is where recreation, science, and awareness come together.

Why Visit a Zoo in Zurich

Accessible from the City Centre

Zurich’s zoos are easy to reach with direct tram and bus connections. Located just minutes from downtown, they fit smoothly into day trips or weekend plans without complicated travel arrangements.

Habitats Designed as Living Ecosystems

These zoos recreate entire environments rather than cages. Visitors walk through savannas, rainforests, and woodlands designed to look authentic, while animals enjoy space to behave naturally and comfortably in their surroundings.

Interactive Activities for Every Visitor

Daily feeding shows, keeper talks, themed walking routes, and child-friendly areas ensure there is always something engaging to experience. Both children and adults can learn through play, observation, and storytelling.

Commitment to Conservation

Zoos in Zurich contribute to global and local projects, from funding wildlife research abroad to supporting breeding programmes for endangered species. Each ticket purchased directly supports these crucial conservation efforts.

Value for Money

Ticket options are flexible, with reduced rates for youth and families. Children under six enter for free, making these wildlife experiences accessible to residents, tourists, and budget-conscious visitors alike.

Scenic and Photogenic Settings

Every corner is designed with beauty in mind. From elephants wading in pools to exotic birds soaring inside rainforest domes, the settings make for breathtaking photos and peaceful moments in nature.

Top Zoos in Zurich

Zurich is home to a leading zoological garden that attracts international visitors, reflecting the city’s commitment to conservation, education, and recreation. Zoos here combine immersive habitats, research-driven exhibits, and engaging visitor experiences, offering meaningful encounters with wildlife in carefully designed natural settings.

Zoo Zurich

Location: Zurichberg (Fluntern district)

Overview:

Zoo Zurich was founded in 1929 and has grown into a modern institution covering 27 hectares with more than 375 species. It stands as one of Switzerland’s most important centres for wildlife conservation and education. What distinguishes it from traditional zoos is its ecosystem-based design. Rather than focussing on individual animals in isolation, it recreates entire habitats that mirror real ecosystems. Both visitors and animals are immersed in environments that feel authentic and alive. This makes it one of the top zoos in Zurich and among Europe’s most respected zoological institutions.

The Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park is one of the zoo’s architectural highlights. Beneath a vast, latticed roof, elephants move freely across sand, water, and shaded areas. The design allows them to interact socially and perform natural behaviours such as bathing and foraging. Another standout is the Masoala Rainforest Hall, a 12,000 square metre dome that transports guests into Madagascar’s tropical rainforest, complete with high humidity, exotic birds, reptiles, and a cascading waterfall. The Lewa Savanna is equally impressive, giving giraffes, rhinos, and zebras the space to coexist in a wide-open habitat.

Key Highlights:

• Elephant Park with pools and shaded sand areas
• Lewa Savanna featuring giraffes, zebras, and rhinos
• Masoala Rainforest Hall with tropical plants and birds
• Penguin parade during colder Zurich mornings
• Animal shows and seasonal feeding demonstrations
• Rainforest-themed restaurant with panoramic views
• Educational exhibits highlighting global conservation work

Opening Hours: Zoo Zurich is open from 9 AM to 6 PM between March and October, 9 AM to 5 PM from November to February, with Masoala Hall opening at 10 AM daily and closing early at 4 PM on 24 December.

Ticket Price: Entry costs between INR 1,800 for children and INR 3,300 for adults, with reduced youth rates and family packages available. Children under six years enter free of charge.

Visitor Tips:

• Arrive early for cooler weather and active animals
• Follow feeding schedules for the best photo moments
• See the penguin parade in winter and rainforest dome in summer
• Use public transport to avoid limited parking and travel stress-free

Tips for Visiting Zoos in Zurich

Confirm the Opening Hours

Seasonal schedules vary, with summer opening until 6 PM and winter closing earlier at 5 PM. Special attractions like the rainforest hall may also operate with adjusted times. Always check before visiting.

Book Tickets in Advance

Purchasing entry passes online through trusted platforms such as MakeMyTrip ensures a confirmed slot, avoids queues at the entrance, and sometimes provides access to discounted bundle packages or seasonal offers.

Make Time for Interactive Experiences

Feeding demonstrations, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes tours add depth to the visit. They provide fascinating insights into animal behaviour and the zoo’s conservation mission, making the experience more engaging for all ages.

Combine with Nearby Attractions

The zoo’s location on Zurichberg hill makes it easy to combine with hiking, cable car rides, or scenic forest strolls. Planning a half-day extension elevates the overall experience beyond the zoo itself.

Dress for the Outdoors

Expect long walks across varied terrain. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are essential. Carry sun hats, sunscreen, or umbrellas depending on the season to ensure comfort throughout your visit.

Use On-site Facilities

The zoo offers themed restaurants, cafes, shaded rest areas, and children’s play zones. Taking breaks and staying hydrated helps families and elderly visitors enjoy a more relaxed and memorable experience.

Arrive Early for Active Animals

Early mornings are the best time to see animals active before midday heat. Starting early also helps avoid crowds, giving you quieter moments to enjoy exhibits and feeding sessions.

Bring a Camera for Memorable Photos

From the penguin parade in winter to giraffes grazing in the Lewa Savanna, photo opportunities abound. A good camera or smartphone ensures you capture these lasting memories beautifully.