Pachyderms wallow in puddles, pelicans relax by the lake, monkeys do gymnastics in trees and exotic birds sing their most beautiful songs - and all this in Germany, or more precisely in the Schwerin Landscape Zoo. Here, visitors can experience fascinating animals from all over the world up close. Among them are many endangered species. Because this zoo is not just an adventure park, but has made it its mission to protect animals threatened with extinction.

Schwerin Zoo

The most beautiful landscape zoo far and wide lies idyllically framed by the Schwerin lakes. About 1,500 animals cavort on the 24-hectare grounds of the Schwerin Zoo. Among them are many that can otherwise only be seen in the wild on distant continents. One of the zoo's highlights is the rhinoceros savannah, which covers more than 8,000 square meters and is an enclosure where the docile pachyderms live peacefully together with Grevy's zebras and helmeted guinea fowl. Right next door, ostriches run across the grass, meerkats peek curiously out of their holes and hyenas take a siesta in the sun. An exciting safari through Africa - and in the middle of northern Germany.

Only a few steps lie between the various themed worlds of the zoo. Visitors who just marched through the savannah on adventure trails find themselves a short time later in the Humboldt House, where many South American species feel at home thanks to tropical temperatures. Sloths dangle upside down from branches, squirrel monkeys climb around, and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians display scales and carapaces. Two monkeys are particularly popular with visitors: Fridolin and Bahia are the names of the lively golden-headed lion monkeys, who are up for any kind of mischief. While they prefer to go up high, some visitors prefer to delve into what's going on further down: Three aquariums provide an insight into the underwater world of South America.

The Latin American continent also lives outside the Humboldt House. The Schwerin Zoo is the only zoo in northern Germany where large anteaters can be seen. Meanwhile, the coati, which resembles him, roams the garden of the zoo's own tree house.

As you can see, the landscape zoo is a great destination for young and old. Numerous playgrounds are spread throughout the park and invite you to romp around. In the forest school and in the research camp the thirst for knowledge is quenched, in many different refreshment stops the hunger. And if you want to experience something absolutely unique, you can even spend the night in the midst of wild animals. Namely in the already mentioned Tree house, which offers accommodation for up to six people. What an adventure! When all other visitors have to leave in the evening, the tree house guests sit on their cozy balcony, watch the wild animal life below them and feel like they are watching the sunset in the wild savannah of South America.

By the way, tigers, bears, wolves and even penguins also live in the Schwerin Zoo. The diversity of animals is exceedingly large, as is that of the landscapes created for the well-being of the creatures. The zoo truly cares about the animals, which is why it is becoming increasingly involved in species conservation and focused on sustainability. Many of the species on display here are endangered, such as the many endangered farm animals that live on the zoo's own farm. German saddleback pig and Thuringian Forest goat, for example, which are said to live a traditional life here, as was once common on farms. A commendable commitment that proves that Schwerin Zoo is about much more than simply displaying exotic animals.

Cover photo: A highlight of the Schwerin Zoo is the large rhino savannah, where the pachyderms live in a WG with other animals

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