Walter Zoo, Animal park in Gossau, Switzerland.
Walter Zoo is an animal park in Gossau, in the canton of St. Gallen, where animals from many parts of the world live in outdoor enclosures and open habitats. The grounds are spread across a natural landscape with paths connecting the different areas where species from various regions can be seen.
The zoo started as a modest local animal collection in the mid-20th century and grew steadily over the following decades. New species were added over the years and the grounds were expanded to accommodate them.
At the Walter Zoo, keepers regularly feed animals in front of visitors and explain how each species lives and is cared for. Watching this up close gives a clear sense of how the animals behave in their daily routines.
The zoo is easy to reach by train, as Gossau has a direct rail connection and the park is a short walk from the station. Because the grounds are entirely outdoors, sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing make the visit more comfortable.
The Walter Zoo offers overnight stays on the grounds, where guests spend the night among the enclosures and get to observe nocturnal animals after dark. This kind of visit is especially popular with school groups and families looking to experience the park after closing hours.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.