ZOOM Erlebniswelt, Zoological garden in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
ZOOM Erlebniswelt is a zoo in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, divided into four themed areas: Grimberger Hof, Alaska, Africa and Asia. Grimberger Hof, the entrance area, is designed as a Westphalian farm with a petting zoo and playground. Alaska covers about six hectares with a 1.3-kilometre circular path, while Africa spans 14 hectares with a 1.8-kilometre route and a boat tour. Asia, opened in 2010, centres on a tropical hall.
The site opened in 1949 as Ruhr-Zoo along the Rhine-Herne Canal and focused at the time on native animal species. Starting in 2004, a complete redesign in stages began, transforming the original facility into a modern themed concept with three continents.
The name ZOOM plays on the English word for magnification and the German "Erlebniswelt", experience world. The entrance is modelled on a Westphalian farm, the Grimberger Hof, opened in 2004, where the yard leads to the three safari areas. The Africa section includes a rebuilt fishing village with original boats from Ghana, and the African Queen boat tour follows the enclosures.
Entry takes place through Grimberger Hof at the main entrance, from where marked circular paths lead through the individual themed areas. Visitors should wear comfortable footwear, as the paths run partly over gravel and natural surfaces and require several hours of walking time.
Ernie the hippopotamus was born in Karlsruhe but has lived in Gelsenkirchen since 1971. He celebrated his 50th birthday on 31 March 2020 and is considered the oldest hippopotamus bull in Germany. He shares the ELE Dschungel Abenteuer and the outdoor area at Africa Lake with females Rupia and Asita.
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