Nuremberg Zoo, Zoo in Reichswald Forest, Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg Zoo is a 65-hectare landscape zoo in the Lorenzer Reichswald at the Schmausenbuck, southeast of Nuremberg. Its large natural enclosures lie among forests, meadows, ponds and former stone quarries; Asiatic lions and Siberian tigers occupy converted quarries, their inner cages set behind a rock face and reached through a tunnel. At the entrance, two pale stone pillars topped with dark sculpted animals flank a black metal fence and open gates, with a brown-roofed building and short tower to the left.
The zoo was founded in 1912 at Luitpoldhain and relocated to Reichswald in 1939 after its original site closed. The facility underwent major reconstruction in the 1950s following the move.
The zoo's name echoes the medieval Tiergärtnertor gate and square, the last traces of a burggravial game park that once reached St. Johannis. Since 1992 the zoo has housed Yaqu Pacha, a society founded here to protect South American aquatic mammals. Bronze sculptures by Josef Tabachnyk stand on the grounds: a polar bear family in the Aqua Park (2007) and a Tree of Life (2012).
The facility welcomes visitors every day of the week and offers plenty of space to explore; most of the grounds are accessible on foot. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended and weather-appropriate clothing is helpful, especially if spending extended time outdoors.
Flocke, a polar bear cub raised by caretakers in 2007, gained worldwide attention and received support from the United Nations Environment Programme. This event brought international recognition to the zoo and drew thousands of visitors eager to see the famous animal.
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