Zoo Aschersleben

Follow the planet stations through the zoo. The model compresses the distance from the Sun to Pluto into 590 metres, giving children something concrete to compare with the distances written on the panels.

For a wheelchair or pushchair, check the current approach and connections with staff before following the whole planet trail.

Take the wooden learning path beside the big-cat enclosures when it is open, pausing at the viewing and learning points. Let the animals set the pace, and use the zoo plan for the connections back into the main visit.

Designed for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Confirm the current condition and easiest approach with staff.

For 2–3 hours, choose three animal priorities from the plan, add the tropical house and stop at the main playground. Decide whether there is energy for the planet trail or a return to a hidden cat. If arriving by bus, settle the return journey before you start.

When a suitable planetarium performance is scheduled, build the day around its start time. Leave a comfortable gap for the walk through the zoo and any toilet stop, then keep the rest of your animal choices flexible. Check the programme’s recommended age and language when booking.

Choose one detail to look for at the tiger, ocelot and bobcat: tail length, ear shape or coat markings. Let each child draw or describe it. If a cat is hidden, leave that space blank and come back later.

On the Planetenweg, find Earth and read how the model handles size and distance. The planets and the spaces between them use different scales. Ask everyone what surprised them most before moving on to the next enclosure.

Look carefully for the fruit bats in the dimmer part of the Kleines Tropenhaus, then spend time at the fish and crocodile displays. A café stop gives another break from a shower. Keep waterproofs handy for the outdoor paths between them.

Look for a resting outline before scanning for movement. Compare the stripes you can actually see with the coat patterns of the smaller cats; a quiet animal still makes a worthwhile observation.

Look at the pale coat, face and mane when the lion is visible. Keep the full animal in view if you can, rather than trying to make it stand up or approach the barrier.

Search the enclosure patiently and allow for the bears to be indoors. During winter rest they may be absent from the outdoor area; leave them undisturbed and choose another animal to watch.

Find the striped tail first, then follow one animal for a short time. See how it rests or moves and compare its position with the other lemurs without trying to attract their attention.

Watch the whole group before choosing a close-up. Compare upright and ground-level postures if the animals show them, and let children describe what they see rather than waiting for one particular pose.

Look for the short tail and the outline of the ears when the cat is visible. Compare its body shape with the tiger, then revisit later if it is tucked out of sight.

Take a slow look at the coat markings and resting places. You may need patience to separate a spotted cat from the patterns around it; leave the animal quiet if it is sleeping.

Choose one bird to watch and trace the shape of its neck and bill. Compare walking, standing and resting positions when you see them. This collection is identified as lesser flamingos.

Scan the water edge and dry resting places without tapping the glass. If a crocodile is visible, look for the nostrils, eyes and line of the tail, even when most of the body stays still.

Follow the shell’s outline and the movement of the legs. Use the current signs to find the viewing area; weather can affect whether the tortoises are outside or in their warm house.

Look at the two humps and compare the animal’s size and shape with the llamas. These are domestic Bactrian camels, so this is an observation of animals in human care.

Study the ears, coat and chewing movements. These are domestic llamas. Enjoy watching from the visitor side and follow staff guidance about any permitted zoo-feed use.

These are animals in human care, including domestic llamas and Bactrian camels. They are not free-living wildlife sightings. The tiger and lion names cover the species as a whole, without a subspecies identification. Animals can be indoors, resting or out of view.

The Burgwärterhäuschen, often called the Hexenhäuschen, was built in 1906 and brought into use in 1907. It served the old recreation grounds long before the zoo opened. Look for its information panel; ask about access before expecting to enter the exhibition.

Pupils from the former Ascaneum grammar school created the planet trail in 1998. Distances use a scale of 1:10 billion, while the diameters of the Sun and planets use 1:2 billion. That difference makes the tiny bodies easier to represent.

The Dschungelcafé has indoor seating and a terrace opposite the tropical house. Its advertised opening starts at 10:30, with weather-related changes possible. The largest playground is next door; smaller play and climbing points are spread around the zoo. The zoo plan marks toilets by the tropical-house area.