Giraffes at Peiri Daiza Zoological Park in Bourgueret, Belgium.Photo: John This/AFP via Getty Images
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From co-sleeping with polar bears, penguins and Siberian tigers to safaris with rare species such as black rhinos, Europe’s best zoos are a treasure trove of unexpected surprises and fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Zoos have been around for thousands of years. According to National Geographic, from as early as 2500 B.C., wall carvings depict people traveling far to bring back exotic animals such as giraffes, elephants, bears, dolphins, and birds for the rulers and aristocrats of Egypt and Mesopotamia. It depicts the expedition to
And records show that “old zoo owners hired animal handlers to ensure their animals thrived and reproduced.”
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Today’s best zoos feature vast spaces that serve as habitats for thousands of amazing animals from all corners of the earth, breeding and relocating endangered species to extend their lifespans, and We are saving many species from extinction while ensuring their welfare.
Captive breeding of endangered species makes zoos a valuable place for their survival. Animals such as the black soft-shelled turtle, which is native to India and Bangladesh, are extinct in the wild. However, they survive in some zoos around the world.
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Europe is home to some of the world’s most impressive zoos and is a major tourist attraction. Here are eight of the best.
Schönbrunner Zoo, Vienna
A polar bear cub born in 2019 walks with its mother at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo. … [+] Photo: Askin Kiyagan/Anadolu Agency (via Getty Images)
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For the sixth time, Tiergarten Schönbrunn has been named Europe’s number one zoo, out of a total of 126 scientifically managed zoos in 29 European countries.
These zoos were rated in the biennial ranking of Europe’s best zoos by zoo experts. anthony sherida. Selection criteria include animal husbandry, species conservation, animal resources, biodiversity, zoo education, research, visitor numbers, animal caretakers, marketing and gastronomy.
Also known as the Vienna Zoo, this zoo is the world’s oldest continuously operating zoo since 1752. Throughout its long history, the zoo has been a center of conservation and education for the world.
Located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace, one of Vienna’s most popular tourist attractions, this zoo is not only considered one of the best zoos in the world, but also the first zoo to successfully give birth to an elephant in captivity. It is also the zoo where the first elephant was born. Pandas were born in Europe through natural insemination.
Attractions include giant pandas, penguins, monkeys, elephants, small-clawed otters, arctic wolves, and Siberian tigers. The zoo hosts daily animal talks, feeding exhibits, and night tours.
Palidaiza Zoo, Southern Belgium
A white rhino and a young animal feed in a cage at the private Paridaiza Zoo… [+] Botanical garden in Bourgueret, Belgium. Photo: Benoit Doppagne/Belga/AFP (via Getty Images)
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Another award-winning zoo and botanical garden, Pairi Daiza (meaning paradise in Persian) has been named Europe’s best zoo for the past three years by the Diamond Theme Park Awards, known as the Oscars of the animal world. .
Located in the heart of the Abbey of Cambron-Casteau in the city of Bourgueret, an hour’s drive from Brussels, Peari Daiza Zoo (formerly known as Zoo Paradisio) is a 160-acre site with more than 5,000 specimens on display. It houses 7,000 animals. It has the largest Chinese and Indonesian gardens in Europe and the largest aviary.
Established in 1993 as a bird sanctuary surrounding the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, the zoo has also been voted the best zoo in Belgium and the Netherlands, and is home to one of two families The temple has also been chosen as the most beautiful animal habitat. Home of the Sumatran orangutan and the most beautiful park in Belgium.
Given the size of the park and the number of animals seen, the zoo has created an immersive experience offering accommodations with views of bears, wolves, and deer, as well as sub-aquatic rooms in a cold country-themed section. I have decided to do so. Through the glass walls, you can see penguins, walruses, polar bears, and other aquatic animals swimming around.
Peari Daiza has a number of other themed environments, including a tropical greenhouse, an educational farm for children, 20 acres dedicated to savannah animals, and a large aquarium.
Zoo officials say the goal is to save species from extinction and, if possible, reintroduce them into the wild, as well as educate visitors about the animals’ origins and the need for conservation. .
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zoo, berlin, germany
A baby hippo swims with its mother on the first day of the exhibition’s opening to the public. [+] Berlin Zoo in 2008. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images
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The Berlin Zoo, or Berlin Zoo, is a historic site that opened in 1844 and is Germany’s oldest zoo.
With a fascinating and war-torn history, the island is home to the world’s most comprehensive species collection, with more than 1,500 species and 20,000 animals spread over 86 acres.
Located in the Tiergarten in Berlin’s city center, this zoo is the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular zoos around the world.
Home to orangutans and many other apes, big cats, lesser-known rare species of deer and pigs, polar bears, reptile houses, aquariums, giant pandas, lemurs, and many African and Asian mammals. .
Berlin Zoo is recognized as a leader in successful breeding programs and reintroductions of endangered species.
Berlin is also home to Europe’s largest zoo, designated as a complement to the Berlin Zoo (see next entry).
The Tierpark Berlin, Germany
A male Balasingha deer calf stands next to his mother in an enclosure.Photo: AP/Gero Brelois
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Berlin Tierpark was founded in 1955 and is located on the site of the historic Friedrichfelde Palace, formerly East Berlin.
One of the largest zoological parks in Europe, the zoo is spread over 400 acres and is home to more than 1,000 species from around the world, including Germany’s only giant panda, 10,000 animals, many beautiful and exotic plants, and 8,500 trees. (some of which are protected) are kept in captivity.
There’s a petting zoo and a free train ride that lets you explore all areas of the park.
“Visit the long-tailed inhabitants of the lemur forest. Embark on a species-saving adventure at Rainforest House. Or enjoy a relaxing picnic overlooking a herd of giraffes,” the zoo invites.
Tierpark participates in approximately 120 breeding programs and supports the reintroduction of endangered or extinct species into areas and natural habitat conservation projects.
Chester Zoo, UK
Chester Zoo, UK
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Chester Zoo, located in Upton-Bychester, Cheshire, UK, is the world’s sixth largest zoo and is internationally known for its environmental mission and special events such as Breakfast with Savannah’s Big 5. Training and education courses for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, and children and adults.
It is the UK’s most popular wildlife attraction and, at 128 acres, is one of the largest in the country. Opened in 1931, the zoo is managed by the not-for-profit North of England Zoological Society.
Chester Zoo is home to around 20,000 animals, including exotic creatures such as Komodo dragons, capybaras, babirusas and Andes bears, tucked away in the British countryside.
The zoo specializes in some endangered species, especially the black rhino, which is nearly extinct worldwide, and has played an important role in repopulating the species.
Another zoo in the UK emerges as one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe (see next entry).
Port Lympne Wildlife Park, UK
Two De Braza monkeys stand together at Port Lympne Wildlife Park. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty… [+] image)
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Located in the town of Haight, Kent, England, Port Lympne Wildlife Park is also a wildlife sanctuary and hotel.
Built during World War I and including the historic Port Lympne Mansion and beautiful gardens, this 600-acre park is home to a relatively small number of animals (700 animals of 90 species). Observe animals living freely.
Traveling in specially modified vehicles, visitors can observe and photograph rhinos, giraffes, zebras, deer, wildebeest and more.
Port Lympne is home to many rare and endangered species, including the Siberian tiger, and is home to Britain’s largest breeding herd of black rhinos.
It is also home to tigers, lions, leopards, gorillas, bears, monkeys, Malayan tapirs, and hunting dogs.
The zoo, also known for its rare and endangered species breeding programs, offers a “dinosaur forest,” but unfortunately, realistic models are on display rather than the real thing.
Prague Zoo, Czech Republic
Two brothers photographed from the front at Elephant Corner.
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The impressive Prague Zoo (Prague Zoo), located north of the Czech Republic’s capital and not far from Troja Castle, opened in 1931. Since then, he has worked to protect endangered species through zoological research, nature conservation, and public education. .
Considered one of the world’s best zoos, the 140-acre zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals of 676 species, including approximately 500 endangered animals, including Galapagos giant tortoises, western lowland gorillas, and polar bears. designated as a species.
Among other attractions are the Giant Salamander House, home to the giant Chinese giant salamander, also known as the “freshwater panda,” the Indonesian jungle, one of Europe’s largest tropical forests, Monkey Island and Lemur Island. , a petting zoo for children, and more. .
Basel Zoo, Switzerland
A baby rhino named Tarun (left), born on May 13, is pictured in an enclosure with his mother. [+] Basel Zoo, Basel, northern Switzerland, June 3, 2022. Photo: Sebastian Bozon/AFP, Getty Images)
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Basel Zoo is the country’s most visited tourist attraction and is ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the 15 best zoos in the world.
The Basel Zoo (Basel Zoo), locally known as ‘Zori’, has a special focus on breeding endangered species such as the okapi, cheetah, pig hippopotamus and Indian rhinoceros, which are among the rarest, along with flamingos and great apes. Popular animals.
Founded in 1874, Basel Zoo is Switzerland’s oldest and largest zoo, housing 6,900 animals on 32 acres in the city center.
Literally every Somali wild donkey (a type of donkey) in zoos around the world is related to the population in Basel, where the animal breeding program for this species was started.
In May, the zoo welcomed a baby Indian rhino and 54 baby storks.
