In 1934 'Duisburg-Hamborner-Tierpark Verein' (Zoological Association) created the necessary conditions for the present day zoo. In 1951 the 'House of a Thousand Fish' was opened and in 1965 mainland Europe’s first dolphinarium opened its doors. In more than 2 million litres of sea water and against a backdrop of a Caribbean palm beach, the elegant sea mammals perform several times a day in front of their enthusiastic public.

A further attraction is also the ape house, and for children in particular the petting zoo.

In 1997 the extended bridge over the A3 motorway was completed and visitors were now able to cross this to access both parts of the zoo. This technological masterpiece replaces the obsolete EXPO Bridge built in 1958.

A breath of the Orient is provided by the Chinese Garden with water pavilion and arched bridge, a present from Duisburg's partner town Wuhan in China from 1988. Also unique in Europe is koala breeding: it was in 1995 that koala offspring looked out for the first time from their mother's pouch.

Of the major buildings which have recently been constructed, particularly worthy of note are the elephant house (1998) and the giraffe enclosure and main entrance area which was reshaped at the same time (2000).

Facts:

- more than 1,814 animals of 323 species
- founded in 1934
- 16 hectares total surface area
- free parking (except on Carl-Benz-Straße)
- very nearly 1 million visitors a year