Hellabrunn Zoo, Zoological garden in Untergiesing-Harlaching, Germany
Hellabrunn Zoo is a 40-hectare zoological garden on the right bank of the Isar in Munich, founded in 1911 and laid out by architect Emanuel von Seidl. Its 529 species are grouped by geographic region, the first Geo-Zoo in the world. The Auer Mühlbach stream crosses the grounds, and 25 bridges span its watercourses. The Elephant House, opened in 1914, has a dark green segmented metal roof with a small domed cupola, pale yellow-green panels between grey pilasters, and three tall arched openings.
This zoo opened in 1911 and pioneered a geographical organization system in 1928 that became the model for zoos worldwide. The concept of grouping animals by continent rather than species fundamentally changed zoo design.
The facility engages in international breeding programs and contributes to the preservation of endangered species like drill monkeys and silvery gibbons.
The zoo stretches from the Thalkirchner Bridge upstream to the Marienklause, with the Isar entrance at its northwest corner a few minutes' walk from the Thalkirchen U-Bahn station. Bus 52 and X98 stop at "Tierpark (Alemannenstraße)" by the Flamingo entrance in the northeast. Parking is available near both entrances. The Auer Mühlbach and 25 bridges cross the grounds.
The zoo relies on its own private wells for water supply, tapping into the area's high groundwater levels. This self-sufficient system has supported the park's operations for over a century.
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