The best animal parks and aquariums Switzerland

The Arosa Bear Country Park, close to the Weisshorn cable car, is a real experience for young and old. In Arosa, abused bears are taken in and given a home appropriate to their species. In the midst of the natural mountain landscape with its meadows, shrubs, rocks, small streams and forests, the bears learn to live as they would if they were not born in captivity. Visitors can observe them in their daily life.

Why were there bears in Bern? Did they come from the mountains? According to tradition, Berthold V of Zähringen, the city's founder, shot a bear on the Aare peninsula, giving the city its name(Bär = bear). Bears have lived in Bern ever since, and can be observed playing, swimming and climbing at close quarters in a 6,000^m2 park created in 2009 on the banks of the River Aare. Finn, Björk, Ursina and Berna are currently the stars of the Bear Park. They can be seen all year round, except during hibernation.

Discover Basel Zoo, a biodiversity oasis in the heart of the city, with over 500 species from all over the world. Accessible from the SBB station and the city center, the "Zolli" is ideal for the whole family. Every day, the residents receive their food ration, offering a unique proximity. Pelicans and sea lions are fed at 3 p.m., with daily presentations and vivarium festivities at 3 and 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. In winter, don't miss the majestic penguin walk from the vivarium deck.

In 1945, the park's gardener set up makeshift shelters to take in injured animals from the region, giving rise to the creation of this small animal park. It is now home to the region's wild fauna (wild boar, ducks, ibex, etc.)! We work for the conservation of endangered species. A pleasant site for families with young children. From here, you can follow the many paths along the Rhône, which are particularly beautiful in autumn...

This zoological park presents dozens of animals from the region: mammals of some twenty different species and hundreds of birds are represented. The park is further enriched by the presence of the Vivarium de la Chaux-de-Fonds, which presents vertebrates and invertebrates of numerous species. You'll discover both naturalized and live animals - a unique concept in Europe, hence the name "Muzoo", a fusion of museum and zoo.

Marmottes Paradis is home to five of the world's fourteen species, from Russia and North America. Housed in 400 m² pens, they are protected from predators by fences. In one of the parks, a tunnel allows you to observe the interior of the burrows through large portholes. Two other parks are equipped with cameras so you can examine the marmots' underground activity. An educational center provides information on the different species of marmot in the world.

Lake Geneva is a stopover for a large number of migratory birds on their way from Siberia to Europe, Africa or South America to make their wintering quarters. An artificial island has been created for them, offering them peace and quiet in a beautiful setting. You'll be able to observe them in excellent conditions, and find out all you need to know at the bird house and on educational panels. Two telescopic sights are freely accessible.

Knie's Kinderzoo is home to around 400 animals representing 70 species for the greatest pleasure of the youngest... and their parents. In addition to the classic visit of the zoo, several activities are offered (some of them are not free of charge): giving breakfast to the monkeys in the morning or spending an hour in the giraffe, camel or sea lion enclosure. It is also possible to follow a caretaker during his work in order to get a better look behind the scenes. Everything is designed to educate children. There is also a restaurant overlooking the lake.

Located near Oberberg Castle, Walter Zoo is Switzerland's largest private zoo, with 500 animals and 130 different species: camels, wolves, tigers, leopards, llamas, kangaroos, jaguars, pumas, zebras, yaks, parrots, bears and many birds, not to mention a 1,250 m² chimpanzee park. Before your visit, don't forget to check the program on the website, as each day is punctuated by a series of appointments: pony rides in the morning, tiger meals in the morning, chimpanzee meals in the afternoon... These are moments not to be missed.

In this village, Max Bösch, known as the "father of storks", founded a stork park after the last war to ensure the survival of this bird in Switzerland. The fact is that on many of the village's rooftops, whole families of storks nest and welcome visitors. Currently, about 20 nests are occupied and about 200 storks live here. The black stork, an endangered species, is a regular visitor. The storks are more numerous in summer.

At an altitude of 1 100 m, this alpine zoo brings together mountain species in a perfectly preserved setting. However, you must open the eye to see chamois, wolves drool in front of affolées marmots, deer or deer competing with majesty, great dukes, lynx, sheep, ibex, wild cats, bears and beavers. The 70 m long swimming pool is another curiosity, as natural as it is entirely heated with solar energy and is carved in the rock.

It's the only zoo in Ticino, with over 100 animals. Spending a day at the zoo gives families the chance to get up close and personal with animals such as lions, kangaroos and snakes, as well as enjoying play areas and picnic areas. Magliaso is renowned for its leisure and discovery facilities. Workshops are organized for children to raise their awareness of the animal world. The zoo tells a "beautiful" story: that of a couple infatuated with a lion cub that was due to be euthanized and whom they "saved" by taking him back to Switzerland.

The zoo's first task is to care for young, injured or weakened wild animals and then release them back into the wild. Its second mission is to reintroduce endangered species such as the bearded vulture and black vultures. Finally, the zoo introduces children to European and Swiss wildlife. Film screenings on animal care and husbandry raise awareness of biodiversity. There's also a large area dedicated to relaxation, with games for children and an attractive lounge offering drinks and snacks.

For animal lovers, this park is well worth a visit. Shaded by trees, the setting is very pleasant, remaining cool in summer and charming under the snow. You can admire the superb snow panthers (more active in winter), the wolf pack, emus, bears, Siberian tigers, wallabys, lynx, bison, alpacas, macaws, mouflons... the wonder is endless. Excellent explanatory panels. In 2023, baby alpacas, wallabys and bison were born. Plan a day's visit - everything's included!

La Garenne's goal is to care for and present animals while making us aware of nature. Here we discover unique species of Switzerland, because it is so important to know the environment that surrounds us! Thus, we have the chance to observe mammals like the lynx, the badger, the raccoon and - new in 2022 - a male otter, impressive birds of prey like the bearded vulture. You can also enjoy the Ekocook certified restaurant.