ZOOM Erlebniswelt, Zoological garden in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
ZOOM Erlebniswelt is a zoo in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, that covers an area and recreates three geographical zones: Alaska with forests and coastal landscapes, Africa with savanna and rainforest, and Asia with tropical vegetation. The facility houses more than 500 animals from over 60 species, including hippos, giraffes, tigers and polar bears.
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 combines the English word for magnification with the German term for experience world, reflecting the concept of showing animals in naturalistic landscapes without visible bars. Visitors move along winding paths through recreated habitats and experience perspectives that resemble a walk through real wilderness.
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, a male hippopotamus, reached his 50th year of life in 2020 and is thus considered the oldest male specimen of his species in Germany. He shares his enclosure with female companions and can often be observed sunbathing at the edge of the pool.
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