The first zoo in Wuppertal was opened in 1881 on the initiative of the local people and the financiers. At that time around 30 animals found a home in it. In today's zoo, which is recognized as one of the oldest in Germany, there are 4.5 thousand animals (about 500 species). All of them are accommodated in spacious enclosures, forested and supplemented by artificial hills, ponds and oases. The landscape design of the zoo was repeatedly noted by experts as one of the best in Germany.
There are platforms are conveniently equipped for visitors for observation of the animals at close range: there are special bridges and cozy grottos with benches. In the zoo there is a 15-meter transparent tunnel-aquarium, where you can see king penguins and other marine inhabitants. Tigers, elephants and African lions live in the open air, in an artificially recreated savannah.