Cologne Zoo: the third oldest and the first in spiritThe Cologne Zoo is a place where history meets modernity, where there are no bars, and animals live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. The third oldest zoo in Germany, founded in 1860, has gone from an entertainment fairground to a center for species conservation, scientific research, and education. Here, on the banks of the Rhine, on 20 hectares, live more than 10,000 animals of 842 species, and visitors can embark on a journey across continents without leaving the city. Its concept is not just to show animals, but to immerse people in the world of wild nature, where each inhabitant feels at home.The Birth of a Legend: From an Elephant to a Scientific InstituteThe Cologne Zoo was founded on July 22, 1860, and is the third oldest zoo in Germany. Its history began with a pavilion in a Moorish style, which was to become the home for elephants. Since then, it has survived revolutions, crises, and two world wars, but has preserved its historical appearance. Today, the zoo occupies 20 hectares on the banks of the Rhine and is home to more than 10,500 animals representing over 840 species. With an annual attendance of about 1.7-2 million people, it is among the most popular tourist attractions in Cologne.The zoo actively participates in international programs for species conservation. Almost 160 species kept here are listed in the IUCN Red List. The Cologne Zoo supports conservation projects for animals worldwide, including a program in Vietnam, where it helps preserve rare large vertebrates. As Director Theo Pahle notes, modern European zoos are \"centers for nature conservation, research, and educational institutions.\" And the Cologne Zoo is a shining example of this approach.Concept of Geographical Zones: A Journey Across ContinentsIn 2012, the zoo was reimagined: it transitioned to the concept of \"animals geographical zones.\" Visitors can walk through different climatic zones of the worl ... Read more