IllustrationCome to Zoo Hof for a small-scale animal day with walk-through enclosures and time to look closely.
Come to Zoo Hof for a small-scale animal day with walk-through enclosures and time to look closely. The zoo sits beside the Theresienstein park and above Hof’s botanical garden, so it fits comfortably into a longer day outdoors. Start with the Australian area: the kangaroo enclosure leads into a free-flight aviary, where birds share the space around you. Move slowly and give them room.
There is plenty of variety without needing to hurry from one big attraction to another. The Savannenhaus brings warmth, free-flying birds and an unexpected link between fish and vegetable growing. At the Erlebnis-Hof, domestic animals share the farmyard theme with mice in an old cupboard. Look out for Coburger Fuchsschafe, a regional sheep breed whose German name includes the word for fox. The animals here are in human care, with domestic breeds alongside the zoo’s wildlife collection. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.
Hof’s zoo began as an aquarium exhibition in 1954 and later grew into a small-animal zoo. Expansion and remodelling accompanied the 1994 Bavarian State Garden Show. It is still run by a non-profit association. The aquaponics display gives today’s visitors a fresh connection to those aquatic beginnings.
Give the Australian area a quiet first look, then let everyone choose an animal to return to later. Use the zoo plan to find the meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs and snowy owl. A second stop often rewards more patience than trying to see everything in one sweep. Keep the petting enclosure and playground as changes of pace between longer animal-watching stops.
Inside the Savannenhaus, find the aquaponics display and work out what links the fish to the plants. Fish waste is converted by helpful bacteria into nutrients that the plants can use; water circulates through the system, and the crops help feed other zoo animals. Ask children to follow that chain in words or a quick drawing.
If everyone still has energy, finish with the neighbouring botanical garden in its open season. Its rose garden, medicinal-plant beds and water-lily pond offer a quieter ending. Follow visitor paths and leave the plants untouched. This is a separate garden visit with its own hours.
The zoo is open year-round. In cold or showery weather, use the warm Savannenhaus as a break between outdoor stops, while allowing for exposed walks between buildings. The separate botanical garden closes from 1 November to 31 March. Winter café opening is limited to Wednesday–Sunday, so plan food separately for Monday or Tuesday visits.
Designated disabled parking is available. Before bringing a wheelchair or a pushchair that is difficult to lift, ask the zoo about gradients, surfaces, enclosure gates, step-free entry to the animal houses and suitable toilets. Contact +49 9281 85429 or [email protected] with your particular needs. Assess any additional Theresienstein walk separately from the zoo visit.
Move from the kangaroo enclosure into a free-flight aviary.
Explore the aquaponics display inside the Savannenhaus.
Find the domestic animals and the mice in their old cupboard.
Add the nearby botanical garden during its April–October season.
At the aquaponics display, ask each person to draw one part of the cycle: fish, bacteria or plants. Put the drawings in order, then add an arrow back to the fish. The vegetables are grown as animal food; admire them without picking anything.
At number 11, look for the meerkats’ dark eye patches and watch for one standing upright on lookout duty. Staying quiet gives you more chance to follow the group’s own activity.
At number 8, the lemurs’ black-and-white tails make a good identification challenge. A raised tail helps travelling group members keep together; see how the animals carry theirs as they move.
Find the snowy owl at number 12. Give a resting bird time and use your zoom for a portrait; there is no need to make it move to enjoy a close look.
At number 4, look for the raccoon’s dark face mask, then watch its dexterous front paws if it is active. Let a resting animal sleep and try again later.
Number 17 is the spurred-tortoise stop. Compare the outlines of shell and legs, then spend a quiet minute following one animal’s progress rather than rushing on to the next enclosure.
Look for the striped skunks at number 24 and compare their black-and-white markings. They are naturally most active around dusk and at night, so a daytime view may take patience.
Find the red-and-green macaws at number 5, then compare their proportions with the sun conures at number 9. Try to fit the whole bird into one photograph without crowding the viewing area.
At number 9, make the sun conures a colour-and-shape stop. Ask children to compare the birds’ beaks and tails with the macaws they have seen elsewhere on the zoo plan.
Search HofBus for the stop Zoo and check both directions for your visiting date. Route 1503 connects it with Rathaus and Sonnenplatz. Older zoo and garden pages may still show shorter route numbers.
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Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Arrival
Head to Alte Plauener Straße 40, 95028 Hof. Parking is available along Alte Plauener Straße and directly by the zoo; bicycle spaces outside the gate are limited.
By bus
HofBus route 1503 serves the Zoo stop via Sonnenplatz and Rathaus. Use the current HofBus journey planner for connections from Hauptbahnhof and your return trip.
Lunch stop
The café serves cake and warm and cold food. Its hours differ from the zoo’s, and the kitchen closes earlier; check before making lunch the centre of your plan.
Bringing a dog
Dogs need a ticket and a short lead. They cannot enter animal houses or walk-through enclosures, which are important parts of this visit. Plan how your group will manage those stops.
Animal manners
Follow the signs and keep to visitor areas. Do not chase birds, reach into enclosures or offer your own food. Wash hands after the petting area.
Plan with the map
Use the official zoo plan to choose a few favourites. Individual animals may be resting, indoors or temporarily off view.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
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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.
