Zoo Basel
Zoo Historic Swiss zoo known for naturalistic enclosures
Basel’s zoo exhibits animals from around the world, with aquarium and tropical houses. Families and naturalists visit for species displays, breeding programmes and conservation-focused exhibits.
Zoo Basel is a municipal zoological garden in the city of Basel, Switzerland, opened in 1874 and known locally as one of the country’s oldest zoos. It maintains a large, varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic species.
The institution emphasizes species conservation, breeding programs and educational displays, and it includes exhibit areas designed to approximate naturalistic habitats for primates, big cats and large mammals. The zoo participates in international captive-breeding and conservation networks.
Zoo Basel was founded in the late 19th century and has developed through successive renovations and new exhibit projects to modernize animal care and visitor facilities. It remains an established public attraction for residents and international visitors.
The zoo lies within the city of Basel near the Rhine and is well served by public transport from the city centre.
- Founding date: Opened in 1874, making it the oldest zoological garden in Switzerland and well known locally by the nickname "Zolli."
Tips for Visiting Zoo Basel #
- Arrive at opening time on a weekday to see animals at their most active and to avoid weekend family crowds; early mornings also make popular indoor pavilions easier to enjoy.
- Consult the zoo's daily schedule on arrival (feeding times and keeper talks) and plan your route around those events-feedings concentrate crowds, so either join them or visit those enclosures before/after.
- If the outdoor areas are busy, head to the smaller indoor exhibits (aquarium/reptile house) during peak hours-these are often less crowded and overlooked by visitors spending all day outdoors.
Best Time to Visit Zoo Basel #
Visit in spring or early summer for pleasant weather and active animals; expect the largest crowds in July-August.
Weather & Climate near Zoo Basel #
Zoo Basel's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (782 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
