Danke Deutschland: Part 086: Zoos are a great place to visit in many cities

Germany has a zoo with a very special history in every major city. Not only native animals, but also dangerous predators and some exotic animals can be observed in the zoo. Visitors can usually see elephants, bears and many other animals. Some zoos also have greenhouses with orchids and special plants or a butterfly house. Dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes or crocodiles can also be observed from a safe distance at the zoo. Animals that you would never see in the wild in Germany can be observed and admired at the zoo. Many zoos also have a petting zoo for younger visitors.

Animals such as sheep or goats can be visited and stroked here. While zoos used to show as many animals as possible and house them in a seemingly humanised environment, zoos today are designed differently. Where animals used to be housed in small houses, today they are housed as close to nature as possible. Some zoos have therefore specialised in very specific animals. Many zoos have built special enclosures for these animals in which they are supposed to live as unimpressed as possible by human visitors. As a result, the self-image and design of zoos has changed considerably in recent decades. However, zoos in Germany still attract many thousands of visitors throughout the year. Whether they are traditional foundations such as Wilhelma in Stuttgart or Hagenbeck's zoo in Hamburg, or newer zoos such as the one in Cologne, each has its own history and each is making a conscious effort to shape the present. The transformation that many of these zoos have undergone in recent years is remarkable. It also symbolises the special awareness of animal conservation that exists in Germany today.

Whereas zoos used to be there just to exhibit animals, today they are particularly concerned with the conservation of endangered species. There is also a special focus on imparting knowledge. Many children are taught a great deal of specialised knowledge about the animals when they visit the zoo. The zoo awakens a curiosity for nature. It is therefore no coincidence that many schools take whole classes to the zoo. A visit to the zoo is a favourite excursion for primary school children. It is often used by teachers. But kindergarten children also like to make their way to this beautiful place. In some cities, zoos are specifically subsidised by the city. Zoos also ensure that visitors from other cities and countries come to the region.

Germany's zoos are steeped in tradition and have brought many visitors from all over the world to the country. Local residents of Germany can also be proud of the country's zoos. They demonstrate both a long tradition and a current sense of responsibility for the conservation of species. Today, zoos in Germany make an important contribution to the conservation of flora and fauna around the world. Endangered species are even deliberately bred in zoos. And every newborn animal is a small sensation.