If you love animals, particularly wild animals, you probably enjoy a good trip to the zoo. After all, it’s a chance to observe the types of animals that you don’t see every day, acting as they would in their natural habitats. In fact, one of the best things about today’s zoos is how well they approximate the natural environment of the animals inside. If you’re going to be visiting Europe, you may be curious as to how the zoos there differ from the zoos at home. If you’re wondering which zoos in Europe to visit, here is a short list of some of the top European zoos that no animal lover should miss.
- Berlin Zoological Garden. This German attraction is both a zoo and a historical landmark. Built in 1844, it survived World War II and was later rebuilt and improved. This is the best known zoo in Germany and one of the most visited zoos in all of Europe. They are probably best known worldwide for having been the home of Knut the polar bear and Bao Bao the Giant Panda. The Berlin Zoo contains several rare species of animals and is also notable for having a good success rate at breeding animals.
- Beauval Zoo. This zoo, located in central France, actually began as an aviary, eventually housing over 2000 species of bird. Later, it expanded to other animals and currently has over 4,000 animals. Beauval Zoo is very involved in conservation efforts, and even breeds animals that are considered endangered in order to send the new offspring to other zoos. Some of Beauval’s more popular exhibits include a pair of white tigers named Gorby and Raisa, and the Manatee Basin, home to a family of West Indian Manatees. This family includes the first set of manatee twins ever born in captivity, named Quito and Luna.
- London Zoo. The London Zoo, which dates back to 1828, is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. It has over 16000 individual animals from 755 different species, making it one of the largest compilations of animals in the United Kingdom. The zoo, located in Regent’s Park, is the home of several different zoological park firsts. In 1849, they opened the first reptile house, in 1853 they opened the first public aquarium, in 1881 they opened the first insect house, and in 1938, they opened the first children’s zoo. Therefore, the London zoo, along with being a great place to visit many different animals, is also an interesting study in zoo history.
- Schonbrunner Zoo. Located in Vienna, Austria, this zoo dates back to 1792, making it the oldest zoo in the world. It is right next door to the Schonbrunner Palace, and there is transportation between the two sites. You’ll find more than 500 animal species, several endangered, including the Giant Panda. The Arctic Polarium and Rainforest house are highlights of any visit. The Rainforest house offers a simulation of life in the Amazon, as well as an amazing aquarium. The park landscape and baroque buildings make it one of the most unique and beautiful parks in the world.
On your next trip to Europe, be sure to visit at least one, if not all, of these fascinating zoos. You’ll marvel at the animals in their natural environments, and you’ll learn some new and interesting facts. A trip to the zoo is a fun experience for the whole family.
