Zoo Basel Zoo

Address: Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland (Zoo Basel)

Website: https://www.zoobasel.ch

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.”

• 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.