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Seaside Zoo

Modernisation of the Seaside Zoo

Description:

Bremerhaven´s Seaside Zoo, which is now over 70 years old, is to have a thorough overhaul. The zoo is to be expanded in three stages at a cost of more than € 20 million and adapted to today´s zoo-keeping standards, and is to form an element of the world of experience offered by the New and Old Harbours.

The zoo is to become the only thematic zoo of its kind in Europe, hosting the mammals and birds which have re-adapted to life in water. This re-adaptation has occurred to varying degrees in the different species, so that the zoo can show examples of the gradual re-conquering of the aquatic environment.

Alongside the enclosures, which as far as possible copy the respective habitats of the animals, underwater galleries offer the visitors an interesting insight into the animals' water pools. Observation platforms, catering establishments and an adventure exhibition in the whale hall round off a visit to the zoo.

It proved impossible to stick to the original plan of keeping the zoo open during the entire duration of the building work. The modernisation began in 1999 and is to be completed in 2003.

The European Union is providing roughly € 5.1 million in assistance towards the first construction phase from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This stage includes the construction of operational buildings and the installation of all the technical facilities, as well as the enclosures for the particularly dangerous animals, the facilities for the zoo school, the enclosure for the anthropoid apes, the polar bear section, an enclosure for the Arctic foxes and snowy owls, sections for seals, fur seals and sea lions, and sections for other small animals. The first phase of construction was completed at the end of 2001.

The rebuilding work at the Seaside Zoo is intended to enhance the tourist attractions of the zoo and the city of Bremerhaven.


programm
Objective 2, Strengthening the services sector, promoting tourism
1997 – 1999Total support: 10,225,838 €
of which ERDF: 5,112,919€

Contact:

Magistrat Bremerhaven

Hinrich-Schmalfeldt-Straße
27576 Bremerhaven

more information www.zoo-am-meer-bremerhaven.de