Cologne Zoo

Cologne Zoo, founded in 1860, is the third-oldest zoo in Germany and sits directly on the Rhine opposite the Rheinpark. Its historicist elephant house from 1863 is one of the oldest surviving zoo buildings in the country and is listed as a protected monument. The zoo is home to over 10,000 animals across around 700 species, including great apes, big cats, and a walk-through tropical hall. It participates in international conservation breeding programs for species including gorillas and okapis. The grounds are family-oriented with multiple play areas and educational tours, and the zoo is open year-round.

Founded 1860, 10,000 animals, the historic Moorish-style elephant house and the adjacent Flora botanical garden.