Large-Animal Enclosure
The large-animal enclosure has Asian elephants, black rhinos and pygmy hippopotami, and was opened in 1977. Three indoor areas and three outdoor areas are available to the animals. During the winter, the visitor area is a favourite picnic spot.
In February 2006, Davu, Swahili for ‘the beginning’, became the first black rhino to be born in North Rhine-Westphalia. Only five zoos in Germany have successfully bred this rare African species.
In brief
- Built in 1977
- Asian elephants, black rhinos, pygmy hippopotami
- Switch to chain-free enclosure for the elephants in 2009/2010
- Elephant show (please see the notice board at the zoo entrance for details)
- View of the rhino and elephant enclosure
In light of new research into the social behaviour of elephants and a change in animal-keeping regulations, we are switching from chains to boxes. The changeover enables the two elephant cows, Rhena and Mumptas Mahal, to stay here at night without the need to use chains. The outdoor area has been modified to facilitate the successful breeding of the rare black rhinos. The dry trench has disappeared to make way for a sloping dividing border. An additional exterior enclosure for the bulls enables these strict loners to be separated.
