(Photo credit - Tierpark Hellabrun Facebook)
If your traditional stereotype of zoos is enclosed spaces and cages, then a visit to Munich zoo in Hellabrunn will make you think again. Relying on the clever use of moats, a surprising number of animals are not caged at all, with generous space per animal and the freedom to roam simulating at least a partial feeling of seeing the animals in the wild.
Hellabrunn comes across as more of a park than a zoo, and the numerous families strolling round its leafy green quarters make it reminiscent of the Englischer Garten at times. Annual large family tickets at just 98 euro (just 49 for a small family) are a bargain, and the zoo makes for an excellent place to expore the animals, enjoy the considerable nature, as well as kids entertainment and gastronomy options.
The zoo was opened to the public in 1911, and its 36-hectare location on the banks of the Isar are conveniently located by the U-Bahn station Thalkirchen (Tierpark) on the U3, from where the entrance is a pleasant 3-minute walk over the bridge.
Seasonal opening times are as follows:
01.01.15 to 27.03.15 9am-5pm
28.03.15 to 24.10.15 9am-6pm
24. & 31.12.15 9am-4pm
There are a number of daily shows:
Elephant Show
The Asian elephants at Hellabrunn Zoo do a daily workout with their keepers.
Daily show, starts 2:15pm
28.03.-24.10., except in exceptional weather - storm, snow or rain
Elephant exhibit
Polar Bear Talk
The daily Polar Bear Talk gives visitors an opportunity to meet the zookeepers and learn more about this majestic species, and in particular, the polar bear family living at Hellabrunn Zoo.
daily, starts 3.30pm
28.03.-24.10.
Polar World, polar bear enclosure
Flipper Show
The Californian sea lions are one of the favourite attractions for visitors to Hellabrunn Zoo. If you want to find out why, then come to Polar World and see the show.
Daily Show (except Fridays), starts 11:30am and 2:30pm
28.03.-24.10.
Polar World, sea lion pool
Birds of prey show
Experience breathtaking moments at the birds of prey show at Hellabrunn Zoo.
Daily show, starts 1:45pm
All year round, except in exceptional weather - storm, snow or rain
Show arena
Pigeon show
Prepare to be amazed by the impressive skills of the sporting pigeons.
Daily show, starts 3:00pm
28.03.-15.09., except in exceptional weather - storm, snow or rain
Show arena
Animal walk
Take a walk with llamas or ponies around the children's area of the zoo.
Animal walk, daily, starts 11:15am
All year round, except in exceptional weather - storm, snow or rain
Meeting point: Show arena
Daily entrance tickets are 14 euro for adults, 5 euro for kids (4-14) and kids younger go free.
A family ticket with one parent is 17 euro, with both is 30 euro.
For more details, include a map, information on the animals, children's entertainment and gastronomy options, visit the official website here.
Here is an overview of our first visit.
