In Munich’s Hellabrunn Zoo, it is quite possible that king penguins scrimmage amongst visitors throughout the winter months. The inhabitants of the Arctic are allowed to waddle through the zoo once a day. Founded in 1911 Hellabrunn has more to offer, e.g. an aviary of 5000 sqm. and 18m height covered by finely woven high quality steel.

The zoo's location leaves nothing to be desired: embedded in the floodplains of the Isar river park with its many trees is an attraction for everybody. Therefore from Frederics Serviced Apartments use the U3 to Thalkirchen, more so on weekends when all the parkings are packed. From the subway stop it's only a short walk passing the Tierpark bridge until you have reached the zoo entrance.

After having paid 9 Euro to get in (kids: 4,50 Euro) – it's well worth each cent  – you will find the petting zoo on your right. Fallow deer, dwarf goats and East Prussian "Skudden" which are fed with low-calory feed.

The Munich zoo takes pride in its breeding success. In 2007, a jaguar, a sacred baboon, a wisent and three Californian sea lions were born here. The animals seem to like it in their ambiance which is no surprise since the zoo was designed as a geo-zoo. Thus, the "inhabitants" live in complex husbandries, according to their geographical background and as natural as can be.

Breeding has been a major goal of the zoo since very early. In the 1930s Hellabrunn gained international reputation due to the conservation breeding of the wisent and the Przewalski wildhorse. Two species which can still be seen in the park and which allow for a glance into the past of exstinct animals.

Visitors must love Tierpark Hellabrunn. Due to large trench systems and a natural landscape conception you are virtually on the same level with the animals. Enjoy the free sight and your visit will be over before you realise.

Hellabrunn has always invested in the future: besides the mentioned aviary which was finished in 1981, there is a jungle tent (1995) with lions, jaguars and other wild cats. In 1997 the tortoise house was openend and in 2000 the jungle house where chimps and gorillas house in natural substrate.

Since 2007 orang-utans live in a new enclosure. Here you find ropes in the inside area and diverse climing facilities in the outside area. More information is available at www.tierpark-hellabrunn.de.

by Dietmar Stanka