With a diverse selection of animals from all over the world, Copenhagen Zoo has something to please visitors of all ages. Watch the animals being fed and climb the central observation tower for great views of the zoo and out across the city centre beyond. The facilities and animal enclosures here are fully modernised but many of the zoo’s original buildings remain as a reminder that despite the hi-tech facilities, this is still one of Europe’s oldest zoos.
Opened in 1859, the zoo started out with fairly basic facilities. To give an example, the zoo’s turtle that was one of its first exhibits and was kept in a bucket! Today, there are over 260 different species from all over the world, making this one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions. Today, it’s a leader in the world of animal welfare and wildlife conservation.
Arranged geographically over an 11-hectare site, you will see animals from the same regions living side by side, as they would in the wild. In the Asian Quarter, indigenous animals include the Red Panda and the South American zone is home to anteaters and prairie dogs. The zoo is also the only one in the world, outside of Australia, to keep Tasmanian Devils.
In true Scandinavian style, the design of the buildings is as interesting to look at as many of its residents. Nowhere is this more evident than at the elephant house. This recent addition is the result of a collaboration between the celebrated English architect Sir Norman Foster and Danish landscape architect Stig L Andersson. Together they have created a building of real beauty that like much of Scandinavian design, is a clever mix of form and function. The glass-domed ceiling floods the enclosure with natural light and the elephants that live here can be seen happily splashing and wallowing around in the water pool. The elephant house paddock is bordered by Fredericksberg Park, from where visitors are treated to the sight of elephants roaming nearby.
Situated in Fredericksberg, around 3 kilometres west of the city centre, Copenhagen Zoo is easily accessed by public transport. There is ample parking both metered and free nearby. The zoo is open daily and there is a small admission charge.
