Zurich Zoo has been welcoming guests and families to explore the world of animals for over 90 years. It is, in fact, the third oldest zoo in Switzerland, and is located close to the city center.
Although it started small, the Zurich Zoo now houses 4000 animals that cover approximately 380 different species. Yes, it is an impressive zoo and big as well!
The zoo has also been expanding recently with not only the famous Masoala Rainforest, a treat to explore a real-life rainforest inside the zoo, but also other new habitats like the Australian animal section, and the huge new Lewa Savannah featuring all the usual suspects from Africa such as lions, giraffes, rhinoceros, zebras, and other mammals.
Table of Contents
The Zurich Zoo Animals
Animal lovers will be amazed at the range of unique species you can see at the Zurich Zoo. I have wandered around there with my godchild on a number of visits and you can get lost it is so big! Not only that but you often try to see too much and end up miles away from where you started. So, be careful!
So, what animals can you see at the Zurich Zoo? Here is a quick selection:
- Red pandas
- Snow leopards
- Great apes
- Snakes
- Giant anteaters
- Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park with eight Asian elephants
- Domesticated yaks
- Squirrel monkeys
- A Galapagos giant turtle
- Baby tortoises
- Cashmere goats
- Bactrian camels
The Masoala Rainforest
The Masoala Rainforest is one of the highlights when you visit Zurich Zoon. It is a huge greenhouse of sorts that was opened in 2003 as part of the zoo’s new conservation efforts.
Every time you enter the Masoala Rainforest you can always find something new to see, from the huge range of tropical plants and trees to the mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. There are quite some unique species inside such as the red ruffed lemur, Rodrigues fruit bat, Madagascar tomato frog, and many many more.
In 2013, this popular zoo exhibit was added with a new treetop walkway to elevate visitors above everything else to give you an even more unique perspective.
Details
Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland (Google Maps)
Opening Times: November – February 9 am to 5 pm, March – October 9 am to 6 pm
Masoala Rainforest Opening Times: November – February 10 am to 5 pm, March – October 10 am to 6 pm
Ticket Prices
You can find the summer and winter ticket prices for the Zurich Zoo below:
| Online Shop Price (CHF) | Ticket Booth Price (CHF) | |
| Adults | 28 | 29 |
| Teenagers (16-20) | 23 | 24 |
| Children (6-15) | 14 | 15 |
| Disability insurance recipients (with valid DI-card) | Not available | 15 |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Free |
| Family Pass (2 adults with own children 6–15) | 75 | 77 |
| Online Shop Price (CHF) | Ticket Booth Price (CHF) | |
| Adults | 26 | 27 |
| Teenagers (16-20) | 21 | 22 |
| Children (6-15) | 13 | 14 |
| Disability insurance recipients (with valid DI-card) | Not available | 14 |
| Children (under 6) | Free | Free |
| Family Pass (2 adults with own children 6–15) | 71 | 73 |
It is cheaper to buy a ticket via their online store. Just be aware that the ticket is only valid for the exact date that you book it.
Zurich Zoo Ticket Discounts
The following options exist if you want a discount on your Zurich Zoo Ticket.
- Online Shop: Small discounts are available via the online shop
- Sunset Tickets: 40% Savings on all categories, 90 minutes before closing
- Mondays – Discounts for students and pensioners
- Groups – 10 people or more, the 10th person is free
- Zurich Card – 10% discount
Getting There
The Zurich Zoo is quite easy to reach from downtown Zurich. And because it is not in the center of town, there is adequate parking.
By Public Transport
The easiest way to get to the zoo is direct with Tram 6 from Zurich HB or Central to the Zoo tram stop. So, if you come by train, you can change there, or at Stadelhofen.
Want To Save This For Later?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Once you arrive at the Zurich Zoo tram stop, it is a five-minute walk from there. Just follow the signs from there, which are marked both on signs, sign posts and along the ground.
There are also other options such as:
- From Bellevue/Stadelhofen – Tram 5 to Kirche Fluntern, then Tram 6 to Zoo
- From Stettbach – Bus 651 to Zoo/Forrenweid
- Take the Dolderbahn to the final station then a 20-minute walk
By Car
You can drive directly to the Zoo as it is outside of Zurich, although keep in mind that there is not much parking so get there early on weekends and in summer. In such cases, you are better off with public transport
Parking options include:
Zurich Zoo Map
The Zurich zoo is huge, and it always pays to have a map of the zoo handy. Here is a quick overview of the Zurich Zoo map. Just click on it to go to the enlarged and current version.
Zurich Zoo In Winter
There are quite a few benefits to visiting the Zurich Zoo in winter. First, the ticket prices are reduced a little. But the most important benefit is that it is quieter than in the summertime, which is the peak period at the zoo.
Of course, some animals hibernate in winter, so there are certain species you won’t see. And perhaps the zoo is also taking time to do some maintenance at this time.
However, the majority of animals are available and the zoo is open 365 days a year!
Zurich Zoo Experiences
Zurich Zoo is never boring and to keep the excitement going they offer a huge range of classes, courses, tours, and unique events to the public. Such things as spending the night in the zoo, to experience the many animals that thrive at night. Another event they had was a slam poetry event, as well as courses on photography, including with your iPhone.
Just head over to their experiences page and take a look at what is on offer right now.
Zurich Zoo Cafe & Shop
There is also a cafe (Zoocafe) and onsite at the Zurich Zoo right by the entrance. So, if after your long tour of the zoo, you need a decent meal, they are more than happy to provide it.
There are also a variety of other food and drinks stalls throughout the zoo, as well as a large restaurant by the Masoala Rainforest, and one by the Pantanal exhibit. So is very helpful, especially if you have kids, given how large the zoo is.
Is Zurich Zoo Worth Visiting?
The Zurich Zoo is definitely worth visiting if you or your children love seeing animals up close and personal. As the zoo has such a wide range of habitats and enclosures, it is always a pleasure to explore.
Are there pandas at Zurich zoo?
The Zurich Zoo has some red pandas in the Himalayas exhibit, but no giant pandas from China.
Is there an aquarium in Zurich?
Yes, there is an aquarium at Zurich Zoo. It was completely renovated in 2016 to expand the pools and includes habitats such as a coral reef and tidal pool. There is also a popular penguin enclosure with King penguins in summer and Humboldt penguins in winter.
Is Zurich Zoo included in Swiss Travel Pass?
There is no discount for the Zurich Zoo included in the Swiss Travel Pass. However, you can get a 10% discount if you buy the Zurich Card.
How big is Zurich Zoo?
The Zurich Zoo currently covers 27 hectares (67 acres) and includes a wide range of habitats from an aquarium and rainforest to the new Lewa Savannah.
