When the days get longer again and the temperatures gradually rise, then it is spring. Colorful flowers are sprouting from the ground everywhere and the awakening of spring has also begun in the region’s animal parks, game reserves and zoos.
One or two wild animals may even have their first offspring of the year on the horizon. We looked around between the High Rhine, the southern Black Forest and Switzerland and put together the most amazing excursion destinations:
On the High Rhine
1. Game reserve Waldshut
In addition to red deer, fallow deer, sika and ibex, goats and wild boars are among the highlights. A playground and a kiosk invite you to linger. Admission is free, a donation box is available. Info: www.wildgehege-waldshut.de.
There is a pack of red deer in the Waldshut game reserve. Image: Ursula Freudig | Image: Ursula Freudig
2. Game reserve at the mountain lake Bad Säckingen
After a pedal boat ride on the Bad Säckinger mountain lake, wild boars, stags and roe deer can be admired and fed. Admission is free.
3. Ostriches in Weilheim-Ay
In Weilheim Ay, you can take a walk and observe large and small ostriches in the pasture, and even pet the smallest ones. In Keller’s farm shop you can buy ostrich eggs and baked goods made from the eggs. Info: www.kellers-hofladen.de.
4. Rosenfelspark in Lörrach
The park at the foot of Villa Rosenfels, close to the city center, attracts visitors with playgrounds, ancient trees and animal enclosures: sheep, goats and many species of birds can be seen. Admission is free.
In the southern Black Forest
5. Bird Park The stone
The season started on March 23rd. In addition to birds of prey with an air show and parakeets, you can also marvel at kangaroos and Barbary macaques here. Adults pay 19 euros, children aged four to eleven pay 10 euros. Info: www.vogelpark-steinen.de.
The bird of prey show is a highlight in the Steinen bird park. | Image: Maria Schlageter
6. Mundenhof near Freiburg
The largest animal enclosure in Baden-Württemberg in terms of area is home to pets and farm animals from all over the world. The 36 species include meerkats, pigs and fish in the aquarium. Entry to the enclosure is free, parking costs 10 euros from April. Info: www.mundenhof.de.
7. Game reserve St. Blasien
Wild boars and red deer can be seen on the Muchenländerweg. A children’s playground with a cable car and barbecue area is also available free of charge.
8. Tasmanians Löffingen
The season started on March 23rd. In addition to predators such as lions, tigers and wolves, there are zebras, wallabies and fast-paced driving fun in the theme park. Entry costs 24 euros for ages 12 and up and 21 euros for ages 4 and up. Info: www.tatzmania.com.
9. Kleintiergehege Tannenmühle
You can pet ponies, donkeys, Galloway cattle and masked pigs near Grafenhausen. There are also guinea pigs, rabbits, ornamental birds and sheep to admire. Admission is free. The farm has a trout farm with a restaurant. Info: www.tannenmuehle.de.
10. Alpacas
Alpacas are available in the region, for example at “Bohland Alpakas” in Birkingen (www.bohland-alpakas.de), at Walpaka in Rickenbach (www.walpaka.de) or at “Hotzenwald Alpaka” in Görwihl (https://hotzenwald-alpaka.de). Admission is free. However, the breeders sell alpaca products and offer hikes.
The hamlet of Bohland has been home to alpacas since 2009. The animals are excellent landscape managers. | Image: Peter Schütz
11. Todtnauberg petting zoo
In addition to llama hikes and pony rides, the petting zoo (Büreten 7) has rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, mini pigs and dwarf goats that can be petted and fed.
In Switzerland
12. Zoo Basel
The Zolli is 150 years old this year, which is why there are daily anniversary activities to participate, learn and be amazed (jubiläum.zoobasel.ch). Over 500 species of animals from all continents can be seen here. Adults pay 22 francs, young people 16 francs, children 10 francs.
Impressive pachyderms: African elephants (picture) can be admired in the Basel Zolli in the region. However, there are Asian elephants in Zurich Zoo. Image: Basel Zoo | Image: Basel Zoo
13. Animal Park Bad Zurzach
In addition to goats, sheep, fallow deer and the most colorful bird species, you can also marvel at exotic marmosets and pampas hares. Admission is free, a donation box is available. Information: www.tierpark-badzurzach.ch.
14. Storchenstation Möhlin
You can watch white storks clattering and breeding around the clock in the stork station on Güterstrasse. Admission is free, donations requested. Info: www.tourismus-rheinfelden.ch.
15. Zoo Zürich
You can walk through a real rainforest and see over 6,000 animals from more than 350 species at Zurich Zoo. Adults from 27 francs, young people from 22, children from 14 francs. Info: www.zoo.ch.
16. Wilderness Park Zürich
19 native mammal species live on the Langenberg, including marmots, brown bears, bison and lynx. Entry is free, parking costs 15 francs. Info: www.wildnispark.ch.
Offspring in spring?
A particularly large number of animal children are born between March and June, especially with native species such as deer, wild boars and foxes. The reason: Warmer temperatures and enough food improve the chance of survival for mother and child. More exotic animals such as elephants or lions, on the other hand, are not tied to the seasons.
You might also be interested in leisure excursion tips for Easter: Exciting destinations for families in the region