The people of Basel affectionately call 'their' zoological garden in the heart of the city Zolli. Here, a fascinating park landscape with old trees and lovingly designed animal enclosures merge into a zoo that goes a little differently. Here animals are allowed to tell stories: for example, hippos, ostriches and zebras share a facility, a coexistence that always provides surprises, lively and exciting as in the wild. In the Etosha House you can look at over 25 species of animals: Here you can experience up close how plants and animals, carnivores and vegetarians, predators and prey, producers and consumers live with each other, against each other and with each other. Cheetahs, African wild dogs and monkeys have just moved into new facilities. In the summer of 2003, Gamgoas, the new house with an interactive nature conservation exhibition, was opened with an underwater view of the world of the Nile crocodiles and video transmission from inside a termite stick. In autumn the lions came back to the Zolli: family life like big cats - at first they were very shy, but now they have settled in well. In the monkey house, the young gorillas keep their family on their toes and our elephants have their trunks full to keep the three exuberant teenagers Maya, Rosy and Yoga somewhat in check. The sea lions are similarly spirited when the water acrobats are being fed or the boys are enjoying swimming and diving lessons. Long-awaited offspring have also appeared in the threatened Somali wild asses.
And when it is raining, you can dive into streams, rivers, lakes and seas or climb up in deserts, tropical forests, mangrove swamps or even Antarctic regions without getting your feet wet. Have a rendezvous with fascinating beings from strange worlds in our vivarium.
And when you have finally finished your journey around the world of animals, we welcome you to our restaurants with sun terraces in the middle of the garden. You can choose between a dining restaurant on the first floor and self-service on the ground floor. If you have a small appetite, we recommend the café at the main entrance, right next to the Zolli store.
