Zoo Rating: Weltvogelpark Walsrode

Weltvogelpark Walsrode

Walsrode, Germany

 

About the zoo

Weltvogelpark Walsrode is a must see zoo for any bird-lover. Walsrode is one the biggest birdparks in the world with about  675 different species and more then 4000 birds. The zoo is 24 hectares big, and is one of the ten species-richest zoos in the whole world.

1. Species

While Walsrode only focusses on birds, the park does have some extremely special species, which are only visible at Walsrode. For example, the Blue Coua, Long-tailed Ground Roller and Sickle-billed Vanga. Next to that, they also have Shoebills, some types of Birds-of-paradise, Kagus and a large group of the critically endangered Siberian Crane.

Score: 9,5

2. Animal welfare

The fact that Walsrode is the only park that’s able to keep some special species, in which others have failed, only shows that the park’s care for its birds is of high quality. Next to that, they also get a lot of offspring each year, proving that the birds feel fine at the park.

Score: 9

3. Construction

With some huge walkthrough aviaries, Walsrode gives the opportunity to get close to the birds. With only a few typical bird cages, the enclosures aren’t boring at all. There a lot of flowers spread throuh the whole zoo, which really provice a great atmosphere.

Score: 8

4. Accommodations

Having four restaurants spread through the park, and some snack carts too, there is nothing to complain about regarding the accomodations in the Weltvogelpark Walsrode. With 320 benches (according to the zoo) there is always a place to sit down and rest.

Score: 8.5

5. Education

Every bird species in the park has it’s own sign, but that’s where it stops at Walsrode. The education isn’t bad, but it’s nothing special either. At the behind the scenes tour (€55) you’ll probably get more information, but said tour is quite  expensive.

Score: 6.5

6. Interaction

Walsrode Zoo has 2 shows (one indoor and one outdoor) and 5 feeding presentations each day. Add the several walkthrough aviaries to that, and you can conclude that there is enough interaction at the Weltvogelpark Walsrode.

Score: 8

7. Total Score: 8.3

For the bird-lover, Weltvogelpark Walsrode is definitly a must see. Even when you’re not that into birds, the zoo is still a great daytrip. If you’re into special species, the zoo should definately have a spot on your to-go list. You’ll easily enjoy yourself there for a day.

Gerben, 05/05/2014

Zoo Rating: Zoo Duisburg

Zoo Duisburg

Duisburg, Germany

 

 

About the zoo

The Duisburg Zoo, founded on May 12, 1934, is one of the largest zoological gardens in Germany. It is especially well known for its dolphinarium and, since 1994, for breeding koalas. It houses a whole variety of species, including wombats and the only Amazon river dolphin outside of South America.

1. Species

Duisburg houses a whole variety of species ranging from common zoo animals such as giraffes and lions to lesser seen animals such as giant otters and echidnas. The highlight animal of Duisburg Zoo, in my opinion, is Butu. Butu is the only Amazon River Dolphin kept outside South America.

Score: 9

2. Animal welfare

The enclosures at Duisburg are not the biggest and to be quite honest I have seen quite some rats and mice on my visit, however with the zoo being in area of a huge industrial city, I can’t really blame that on them. All the animals seemed healthy.

Score: 7.5

3. Construction

Duisburg uses a lot of dry moats and glass walls, so the animals are often visible without bars. The only exception is the primate house, which is simply outdated. There is also a whole lot of foliage at the zoo, which gives it a lush and natural feeling.

Score: 8,5

4. Accommodations

At the back of the zoo there is a decent sized children’s zoo and playground where the children can play while there parents have a drink. There are also several other facilities where you can get a snack or something to drink.
There are also several restrooms across the parks and there are enough benches for the visitors to rest on.

Score: 7.5

5. Education

Each animal has a nice sign explaining what animal lives in the enclosure. The zoo also hosts a dolphin show, which to my surprise gave a huge amount of information about dolphins in the wild.
Besides that I have noticed that the zookeepers are very friendly and helpful and so may answer all your questions.

Score: 8

6. Interaction

There is a bird walkthrough and a lemur walkthrough. The zoo also involves it’s visitors in the dolphin show.

Score: 7

7. Total Score: 7.9

Zoo Duisburg definitely is a nice day out for both zoo fanatics and for the average family, because it houses both rare species and visitor favourites such as dolphins and giraffes. Duisburg Zoo is a really nice and green place to be in a rather urban area. If you are near it, I most certainly recommend you to pay it a visit.

Jasper, 05/05/2014.

Zoo Rating: Zoo Krefeld

Zoo Krefeld

Krefeld, Germany

 

About the zoo

Zoo Krefeld opened its doors in 1938. At the moment, the zoo houses about 1300 animals and approximately 225 species. The zoo is about 13 hectare big.

1. Species

Krefeld Zoo definitly houses some special species, such as tree kangaroos, black rhinos, jaguars and snow leopards. They also have a some species of great apes, including chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. Having a big variety of other species, there is enough to see at Krefeld Zoo.

Score: 8.5

2. Animal Welfare

The fact that Krefeld breeds with (critical) endangered species such as the jaguar and black rhino only shows that the zoo has a quality animal care. With some small exceptions, i.e. the siamangs, do all animals have enough space.

Score: 8

3. Construction

Although Krefeld Zoo isn’t the most flamboyant zoo you’ll ever see, it doesn’t look bad at all. With a lot of foliage at the zoo, it gives a natural and lush feeling.

Score: 7.5

4. Accommodations

Having 4 accommodations it isn’t bad at all for a park with the size of Krefeld, though the pathways are long so you might have to walk a bit.

Score: 7

5. Education

There isn’t much to do in terms of education in Zoo Krefeld, with the famous exception of the signs.

Score: 6

6. Interaction

With only the walkthrough South-American house, there isn’t much interaction at Zoo Krefeld.

Score: 6

Total Score: 7.2

Zoo Krefeld is definitly worth a trip, and with special, endangered and playful animals there is a lot to see. Not one of the best zoos you’ll ever go to, but also not one of the worst at all. You’ll surely enjoy yourself at Zoo Krefeld.

Gerben, 07/05/14