Hellabrunn Zoo, Munich

Closely located to the Isar River, the Munich Zoo or "Tierpark Hellabrunn" covers an area of 36 ha. Founded in 1924 as the first zoogeographical zoo worldwide,the zoo still sticks up to this idea and keeps animals divided according to their countries of origin. The zoo takes part in several conservation programmes like the re-introduction of Przewalski horses or Mhorr Gazelles into the wild and is proud to breed endangered species like Lowland Gorillas, Moloch gibbons or gaurs. While some of the exhibits are large and well-constructed, others are either no longer up-to-date(Polar Bears)or overpopulated(Hamadyras Baboons). Though some of the older buildings have been or are going to be improved(Great Apes), there are still quite a few things left to be done to improve the living conditions of the animals housed there. Some of the newer buildings, like the "Jungle Tent" for the big cats, seem to have been orientated more on the visitors'than the animals'needs. Interesting exhibits are the large walk-through aviary, the "Villa Dracula" with free-flying Jamaican fruit-bats, the Insect/Turtle House with Naked Mole Rats and the old elephant house built in 1917/18. Depending on the season and the weather, special features like Camel-Riding, free-roaming Squirrel Monkeys(both only in the summer)or "Penguin Promenade"(only in winter)are offered. Children will be delighted by the two petting zoos, the egg hatchery and the playgrounds. Restaurants and kiosks located within the zoo. Especially in the summer time it is recommendable to use the public transport system, as the zoo parking lots are soon overcrowded.