IllustrationVisit Zoo Kaiserslautern for a manageable day of animal watching, woodland paths and playground breaks.
Visit Zoo Kaiserslautern for a manageable day of animal watching, woodland paths and playground breaks. Its seven-hectare grounds in Siegelbach bring together a mixed African savanna, walk-through animal areas and a two-level tropical house. Start by checking the feeding times at the entrance, then decide whether to linger nearby or head farther into the grounds.
The savanna is a good place to slow down. Damara zebras, ostriches and eland share the enclosure, so one stop gives you quite different shapes and ways of moving to watch. Let children choose an animal and describe what it is doing before reaching for the camera. You can enjoy the whole scene even when a favourite animal stays well away from the fence.
The Tropenhaus changes the pace. Look for small monkeys among the indoor residents, including common marmosets and red-handed tamarins, then spend time with the reptile displays. Outside, ring-tailed lemurs and kangaroos have walk-through areas. Follow the entrance signs, keep to the visitor paths and let animals decide how close they come. All these animals belong to the zoo collection, including those in walk-through enclosures; photographs here are captive-animal records.
Make room for play rather than saving it as a reward for finishing every enclosure. The large playground gives younger visitors a welcome change of activity. The petting enclosure is being rebuilt, so do not promise a goat-stroking session; the goats can currently be visited at the fence opposite the ponies. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.
The zoo opened in 1968 as Tierpark Siegelbach. In 2003 it gained its present company structure as Zoo-GmbH. Education remains part of its everyday work, with guided visits, a zoo school and activities designed to help children understand animals and conservation.
For a fuller visit, use the zoo plan to connect the savanna and Tropenhaus with the pond, alpacas, snowy owl and pony area, then return via the ring-tailed lemurs and kangaroos. For a shorter outing, concentrate on the animals near the entrance and the playground.
From April to October, public feedings are scheduled Tuesday–Sunday: meerkats at 13:00 and Asian small-clawed otters at 14:00. Confirm the day’s arrangements at the ticket office. Use the gap for a nearby enclosure or a play break rather than hurrying to the far end of the zoo.
The current opening schedule is 09:00–18:30 from April to 18 October, 09:00–17:00 on 19–31 October, 10:00–16:00 from November to January, and 10:00–17:00 in February and March. On 24 and 31 December, closing is at 14:00. Weather can cause closure: check the zoo’s notices before travelling, or call 06301 7169-0 if conditions are doubtful.
The outdoor grounds and lower level of the Tropenhaus are listed as accessible. Designated parking is directly by the main entrance, with vehicle access permitted for this purpose; an accessible toilet and baby-changing room are also at the entrance. The Tropenhaus has two levels. If you need step-free access throughout, ask the zoo about the upper level, walk-through gates and the best current circuit before visiting.
Watch zebras, ostriches and eland in the same enclosure, with time to compare their movement and behaviour.
April–October brings meerkat feeding at 13:00 and small-clawed otter feeding at 14:00, Tuesday–Sunday; confirm on arrival.
Combine the lemur and kangaroo areas with the Tropenhaus. Follow local access signs and allow animals space.
The restaurant and petting enclosure are closed. Visit the goats at their temporary fence-side location and plan your main meal elsewhere.
Ask each person to choose the zebra, ostrich or eland and sketch its outline. Compare stripes, feathers, necks and horns, then look again at how each animal walks or rests. This works from the normal viewing area and does not depend on an animal approaching the fence.
Ask about the Zoorallye at the entrance, or choose three signs to read together during your circuit. Each child can pick one new animal name and one thing they noticed. Keep the challenge short enough to leave time for looking, rather than turning every stop into a question.
Watch both the ground and raised lookout spots. A quiet pause may reveal a change from digging or resting to an upright pose. Keep enough space for children and other visitors to see.
Scan the visible land as well as the pool, and follow one animal for a while rather than trying to photograph every movement. At feeding time, leave the keeper’s working space clear.
Try a wider photograph that shows the long neck and legs in the shared savanna. Compare the bird’s movement with the mammals nearby, without expecting it to come close to the viewing edge.
Look for the black-and-white tail and watch how the lemurs use the space together. Follow the gate instructions, let animals pass and keep personal food put away.
Notice differences in fleece and stance, then take a photograph from the public viewing area. If zoo staff permit hay feeding here, follow their instructions rather than using your own food to attract an animal.
Look slowly across the visible enclosure for the owl’s rounded outline. A resting bird is still worth watching. Avoid calling, sudden movements or tapping to make it turn towards the camera.
Choose a viewpoint that shows both humps and the animal’s full outline. Compare its shape with the nearby savanna animals. Stay at the visitor barrier and wait for an unobstructed view.
Look for the pale ear tufts, then follow one monkey between resting places. Take time to find a clear view through the enclosure and keep your hands and camera outside the animal space.
Watch for the contrasting hands and feet. A photograph of the animal using a branch can be more revealing than a face-only portrait. Let it move into view without trying to attract attention.
Look for the patterned body before searching for the head. The snake may be partly concealed or resting in coils. Observe from the display front and leave glass clear for the next visitor.
Six small-clawed otters were born here on 12 June 2025. Their names were chosen through a public vote and included Harry Otter. The story makes a good conversation starter while you watch the group; the animals on view can change.
60–90 minutes, 2–3 hours and 3–4 hours are editorial family time budgets, not measured route durations.
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.
Getting there
The address is Zum Tierpark 10, 67661 Kaiserslautern. For the car park, enter Zum Tierpark in your navigation app and follow the zoo signs from the B270.
By bus
Bus 140 runs from Kaiserslautern Hauptbahnhof to Siegelbach Zoo. Check the VRN journey planner for your day, the final walk and the return service before setting off.
Tickets
Buy admission at the zoo ticket office while the online system is being revised. Card payment is available; check the official price list for current family and concession options.
Food break
The restaurant is closed during refurbishment. Drinks and ice cream are sold at the ticket office; arrange a meal before or after your visit rather than relying on a restaurant stop inside.
Feeding animals
Use only the hay or feed supplied by the zoo, and only where staff or signs permit. The current offer is hay. Ask which animals may receive it and supervise children closely.
Bringing a dog
Use a short fixed lead throughout; retractable leads are not allowed. Ask staff which animal areas you can enter with your dog before choosing your circuit.
Family equipment
Handcarts can be hired for a fee, with an identity card or driving licence left as a deposit. The baby-changing room is at the entrance.
Quiet viewing
Stay behind barriers and follow walk-through entrance instructions. Avoid tapping glass, calling animals over or blocking their path for a photograph.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
North Carolina, US
You might spot American Robin and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
View guide →
Florida, US
You might spot Anhinga, American Alligator, and Wood Duck.
View guide →
New Mexico, US
You might spot Wood Duck, Duck, and Canada Goose.
View guide →
Michigan, US
You might spot African Lion, Komodo Dragon, and Brown Bear.
View guide →
Take the discovery with you
Identify the wildlife you spot, learn as you go, and keep a collection of the adventure.
