IllustrationCome to Birgits Tiergarten for an easy-paced afternoon of animal watching and play in rural East Frisia.
Come to Birgits Tiergarten for an easy-paced afternoon of animal watching and play in rural East Frisia. The 2.8-hectare grounds bring familiar domestic animals together with kangaroos and a varied bird collection. Start by asking at the ticket desk which enclosures allow feeding, then give yourselves time to look around before choosing a favourite.
Some of the park's animals move freely through the grounds, so a pause between enclosures can become part of the visit. Let them approach or move away on their own terms. The petting meadow, outdoor playground and terrace café give families several ways to break up the animal-watching. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.
Birgit Philipps took over the animal park in 2016 and began renovating its enclosures with a small team. New enclosures and animals followed, gradually shaping the park families visit today.
Follow the visitor paths, choosing two or three enclosures to linger at before your first break. At the larger animals, compare head height, ears and the way they stand; at the guinea pigs, stop moving for a moment and watch what happens next. Let children choose one enclosure to revisit after the playground.
Use the petting meadow only as directed, and keep a grown-up close during any permitted feeding. If a child is unsure about touching an animal, watching together from a comfortable distance is a perfectly good way to join in.
The usual season runs from 1 March to 31 October, daily 10:00–18:00. The park closes from November through February. Check the operator's website before travelling, especially near the start or end of the season. Bring rain layers for this outdoor outing.
The park is listed as pushchair-friendly and has toilets. If you use a wheelchair or walking aid, call +49 4934 1345 to check path surfaces, any steps and the toilet access you need. Ask which parts of the grounds would suit your visit best.
Take a quiet look at two very different domestic animals before moving on to the smaller residents.
Give children a close-looking challenge by comparing coat patterns and following one animal with their eyes.
Make room for gentle animal contact wherever the signs and staff allow it.
Break the visit into short animal-watching stretches with a chance to play or sit down.
Pick a donkey, a llama and a guinea pig for a tiny drawing challenge. Give each animal one quick sketch showing the ears, body shape and coat. Younger children can describe the differences instead. Back at your break, compare what everyone noticed; the drawings need not be neat to bring out three very different shapes.
Watch an ear change direction, then see whether the head follows. Compare the donkey with the llama without trying to attract either animal with calls or gestures.
Look at the long neck and the position of the ears, then follow one animal as it shifts its weight or moves. A side view can help children compare its outline with a donkey.
Choose one coat pattern and try to follow that animal for a little while. Keep hands out unless staff specifically invite contact; a still observer often notices more small movements.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Find the entrance
Use Tannenstraße 18, 26529 Rechtsupweg. The paid car park directly outside is run separately from the zoo; check its own payment instructions.
Plan the bus both ways
Look up connections to Rechtsupweg, Tannenstraße. Line 442 runs on schooldays only, so check your exact date and return journey before setting off.
Bring a payment option
The zoo lists cash and PayPal. Its 2026 admission is €7.50 for adults and €5 for children aged 2–14; check the current tariff before travelling.
Feed only where permitted
Follow each enclosure sign and use the animal food sold at the ticket desk or machines. Keep your own snacks for people.
Bring the dog lead
Dogs may accompany you on a lead. There is a separate dog admission charge.
Keep the café flexible
There is a terrace café, but plan around the service available that day if your family needs a full meal.
Arrange group extras ahead
Book a guided visit in advance. For a birthday or family celebration, contact the park to discuss the arrangements.
Smoke only in the designated area
Smoking is restricted to the front ticket-desk and terrace area.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
North Carolina, US
You might spot American Robin and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
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Florida, US
You might spot Anhinga, American Alligator, and Wood Duck.
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New Mexico, US
You might spot Wood Duck, Duck, and Canada Goose.
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Michigan, US
You might spot African Lion, Komodo Dragon, and Brown Bear.
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Take the discovery with you
Identify the wildlife you spot, learn as you go, and keep a collection of the adventure.
