ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
| Date opened | 1949 as "Ruhr-Zoo" |
|---|---|
| Location | Bleckstr. 64, 45889 Gelsenkirchen |
| Coordinates | 51°32′39″N 7°6′39″E / 51.54417°N 7.11083°ECoordinates: 51°32′39″N 7°6′39″E / 51.54417°N 7.11083°E |
| Land area | 31 hectares (about 77 acres) |
| No. of animals | ca. 560 |
| No. of species | 64 |
| Major exhibits | expedition to Afrika, Alaska and Asia |
| Website | http://www.zoom-erlebniswelt.de/ |
The ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen, founded on April 14, 1949, as "Ruhr-Zoo", is one of the most modern zoological gardens in Germany. It was founded on a heavily shelled area besides a port at Rhein-Herne-Kanal. First size was 15.5 hectares. First years animals were changing often, because they were provided by an animal trader.
Now the park is owned by the City of Gelsenkirchen via GEW – Gesellschaft für Energie und Wirtschaft mbH, (society for energy and business, a holding of municipal ownership)
After 2004 the park was enlarged to the present size.
It is especially well known for its panoramas and cultural approach.
The main attractions are big animals, mostly mammals; the zoo has no aquarium house, insectarium or other facilities prone to smaller animals.
The number prior to 2005 reflects average visitor frequency of the old Ruhr-Zoo.
The entrance area resembles characteristics of a Westphalian farm and is called Grimberger Hof (opened 2004). Its yard offers access to the three separated areas of the park. These are called "safaris" and titled Alaska (opened 2005), Afrika (opened 2006) and Asien (opened 2010).
All Safaris are accessible through gates in a matching style with a shop delivering related paraphernalia.
The entrance area is designed as a farm and features some rare species of domesticated animals like Danish Protest Pig, a restaurant, a playground, a shop for memorabilia and a petting zoo.
It features mainly on nearctic ecozone wildlife with presentation of polar bear, moose, Californian sea lion with a tunnel under the basin and beaver in landscaped habitats.
The area is decorated with American road signs, a school bus, a cave resembling a gold mine and other touristic features. Besides another open-air restaurant a multimedia show with animated floor raises the illusion of riding an ice floe.
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Wikipedia