Animals

From eagles to eagle owls, from ponies to goats

About 500 animals live in the Grugapark; the most varied species of bird from eagles and parrots to eagle owls in the bird enclosure; flamingos, ibises and many more in one of the largest aviaries in Germany. But fallow deer, ponies and the trusting four legged animals in the Small Animal Zoo also have their homes in the park.

Visitors particularly appreciate the numerous possibilities for direct contact with the animals. Children can get to know the animals up close in the much loved tours of the Schule Natur (Nature School).

However, keeping animals and the successful breeding programme in the Grugapark also assists maintaining and protecting species. Most of the numerous young animals born are given to other zoos.

Bees Information Stand

The Essener Kreisimkerverband (Essen District Beekeeper’s Association) invites you to their Bees Information Stand to observe the life of a hive up close through a glass screen. We will be pleased to provide you with information about bees and beekeeping. As a delicious souvenir you can buy a jar of Grugapark honey. The Bees Information Stand is open from May to September at weekends and on public holidays from 12 noon to 6 pm. Tours can be booked thorough the Nature School (Tel. +49 (0)201 / 88 83 124).

Locate the Bees Information Stand on the interactive map (in German) ...

Aviary

The impressive Aviary is among the largest aviary structures in Germany at 4,000m² and with a height of 15m. About 150 birds live here, some from rare species, including ibises, glossy ibises, ruffs, oyster catchers and flamingos. The landscaping is similar to the natural biotopes of the birds with a lake, a waterfall, rock formations and plants. Pleasing evidence that the birds are kept correctly: over 50 young birds grow up here year on year. The Aviary is closed during winter time.

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Exotic Birds

Numerous colourful exemplary specimens live in the Tierhof directly next to the aviary, including Eastern Rosellas, Blue Fronted Amazons, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and Jardine’s Parrots. The seven Mynah birds with their talent for languages and the Yellow-crowned Amazon like “talking” to visitors. Like the birds of prey and the owls the exotics live in combined indoor and outdoor enclosures. 31 types of parrot, mostly kept as pairs, have their homes in the park.

Locate the Exotic Birds on the interactive map (in German) ...

Birds of Prey

Just a few steps away from the exotic birds live majestic eagles and South American Caranchos in their extensive enclosure. Bald eagles, Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles are among the largest birds of prey in the world. It has been possible to breed Bald Eagles six times in the Grugapark, a rarity in zoos.

Locate the Birds of Prey on the interactive map (in German) ...

Owls

The owls have their home downhill a little towards the Margarethensee: the Little Owl, the Eagle Owl with a wing span of 170 cm, Great Grey Owl, Barn Owl, Snowy Owl and the much loved diurnal Polar Owls. The seven species have already presented the Park with 249 young! Thanks to the cooperation of leading breeding stations, as part of a breeding programme in which the Grugapark is integrated, it has been possible to prevent the extinction of many of the nocturnal bird species, several of which are also protected.

Locate the Owls on the interactive map (in German) ...

Fallow Deer Contact Park

The Fallow Deer Contact Park, with about 20 to 30 fallow deer and young animals, has enjoyed great popularity since as long ago as 1938. Since it was extended as a contact park visitors have had access and can observe the fallow deer close up and feed them using feed from the vending machines.

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Pony Yard

Six good natured Haflingers and Shetland ponies live not far from the Small Animal Park in generously proportioned stables. The Pony Yard offers children and young people the possibility to learn the correct approach to dealing with horses and to ride a couple of laps of a course under expert supervision. The direct contact with the animals can be experienced in a completely uncomplicated manner.

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Small Animal Park

Goats, Cameroon sheeps, rabbits, Guinea pigs, a pot bellied pig and a pair of geese live peacefully together in the Small Animal Park on about 3,000 square metres. Visitors can experience the approximately 35 animals up close, stroke them and give them the correct feed. Children love it here because it allows them such relaxed contact with animals.

Locate the Small Animal Park on the interactive map (in German) ...

Adopting Animals

Keeping animals is a tradition in the Grugapark. Beside the approximately 500 animals there are numerous wild animals such as domestic bird species, squirrels and hedgehogs. You can make a personal commitment by adopting an animal. This can be done for one year each with the option of an extension. Animal adopters will receive a certificate and an adoption sign which will be hung in the Park.