Opening hours

Open daily

Entry prices

Attractive and varied

How much does the zoo cost?

FAQ – Zoo in general

• I. Rates & day tickets, opening hours

  How much does the xy ticket cost? Our complete tariff overview is available at www.koelnerzoo.de/en/visit.

  When does a discount apply to me? Discounted annual passes are only sold upon presentation of a corresponding proof of eligibility (e.g. “Disabled persons”, “Cologne Pass”, “Adults from the age of 63” etc.). The respective conditions for obtaining a reduction are based on the currently applicable price lists posted at the ticket offices.

  I have forgotten/lost my ticket/cannot show it. Can I also submit this later and enter the zoo without a ticket? No, a visit to the Cologne Zoo is only possible with a valid ticket.

  Can I pay by EC card? Yes, you can use one at any ticket office, without exception. You can also use one at our catering facilities for an order value of 10 euros and above.

  Can I book tickets online? Yes, it is easy to do so at the ticket shop on www.koelnerzoo.de. As an added benefit, online tickets are also valid as a VRS travel ticket.

  Can bar codes also be scanned from a mobile phone? Or do I need to print my ticket? Of course, as an environmentally friendly company we also have paperless tickets. Mobile phone barcodes can be scanned at the entry gate. Please note: If you also use your online ticket as a VRS travel ticket, this ticket must be printed out. Annual passes must be carried in the original (as a plastic card).

  How does crediting the day ticket to an annual pass work? 

  If you wish to credit your day ticket for the purchase of an annual pass on the same day, this is possible at ticket office 5 and 6 up to 30 minutes before the end of the day. In this case, the ticket must be in printed form.

  Do I have to keep my ticket on me throughout my zoo visit? Yes, you must keep the ticket/mobile barcode on you after being admitted and present it upon request. When leaving the zoo and aquarium, the day passes lose their validity.

  I am entitled to a reduction, but don’t have my validation on me. Can I still claim my discount?No, discounted tickets will only be sold on presentation of proof of eligibility. The respective conditions for obtaining a reduction are based on the currently applicable price lists posted at the ticket offices.

  Are there any discounts for people with disabilities or their accompanying person? Visitors with a disability must pay the regular entrance fee. If the disability pass is marked with a “B”, the accompanying person receives free admission (the accompanying person must be at least 12 years old). The free companion tickets for people with severe disabilities with entry “B” are available exclusively at the box offices of Cologne Zoo. A refund afterwards is not possible. Please understand.

  Can the day pass be withdrawn? Our admissions and security staff is entitled to confiscate day pass in case of violations, e.g. against the conditions of visit specified in our zoo regulations, and to direct visitors to leave the zoo grounds. There is no claim to compensation. The zoo regulations can be found here.

  What are the zoo opening times? he overview of our opening times in summer and winter can be found at www.koelnerzoo.de/en/visit.

  When are the final admission and ticket office closing times?  In winter: final admission and closing time is at 4.30 pm; the animal houses close at 4.45 pm. In summer: final admission & ticket office closing time is at 5.30 pm; the animal houses close at 5.45 pm. The final admission time also applies to visitors who want to alternate visits between the zoo and the aquarium.

  When does the side entrance close?  Please note that the side entrance closes punctually at 5 pm in winter and at 6 pm in summer. From this point on, there are no members of staff at the side entrance. Entry and exit from the zoo are then no longer possible there.

  Does the zoo open on Christmas Eve/New Year’s Eve/Carnival Monday? The zoo has special reduced opening times on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, from 9 am to 2 pm. On all other days of the year, it is open continuously from 9 am to 5 pm (winter season) or from 9 am to 6 pm (summer season). This also applies to the carnival days. All information on our opening hours can be found on our website at  www.koelnerzoo.de/en/visit.

  Can I use my day pass to alternate visits between the zoo and the aquarium multiple times? Your day pass entitles you to a one-time admission to the aquarium and zoo. You can easily alternate between the various offerings at Cologne Zoo. Please note the respective final admission is 30 minutes before the zoo and aquarium are closed.

• II. The entrance ticket as a VRS travel ticket

  When does my zoo entrance ticket also qualify as a VRS travel ticket? Tickets for the Cologne Zoo are valid as a VRS travel ticket when purchased at https://koelnerzoo.de/visit#entry-prices. Please note that you must create and print the personalised VRS ticket (combined ticket) separately.

  How do I receive my free ticket? You will receive a ticket code and an order number with your e-ticket for Cologne Zoo (or a special event). Please enter this data on https://shop.derticketservice.de/koelner-zoo/printathomeplus to print out your personalised ticket (CombiTicket).

  Is this service free for me? Yes, with this service a round trip can be taken by public transport (VRS) free of charge (same-day trip).

  Where can I find the necessary data to retrieve the free combined tickets? All the information can be found on your e-ticket printout. Please enter the ticket code (18 digits) and the order number (4 digits) when registering at https://shop.derticketservice.de/koelner-zoo/printathomeplus.

  Who can use the ticket? After personalisation, the ticket is valid for the person entered when retrieving the combined tickets. To validate the printout, the traveller simply uses his identity card and the event ticket. Please note: This personalisation cannot be changed later.

  When should I personalise my combined ticket? We recommend that you personalise your combined ticket shortly before the journey, as the ticket is no longer transferable after personalisation.

  How quickly will I receive my combined ticket? Your personal ticket for arrival by public transport will be displayed directly after registration. You simply have to print it out.

  Can I reprint my combined ticket? If you experience any problems printing your combined ticket, you can reprint the document. Enter your ticket data again. Please note that your original personalisation and date cannot be changed.

• III. Parking, accessibility by public transport

  How do I reach Cologne Zoo? Cologne Zoo is located in the heart of Cologne. Parking is limited, especially at the weekends. From the main railway station, Cologne Zoo is conveniently and comfortably accessible by underground railway (line 18); from Ebertplatz by bus (route 140). The stop is called Zoo/Flora

  Where can I park? The zoo has parking facilities with a limited number of spaces under the Zoobrücke (zoo bridge over the Rhine) and in the zoo car park. On presenting the ticket purchased at the zoo car park at the main exit and having it stamped by our admissions staff, the price of a full-day ticket will be reduced to 4 euros.

• IV. Annual pass

  What entitlements does the annual pass bestow? The annual pass entitles you to visit Cologne Zoo during the regular opening hours for one year from the date of issue, in accordance with our Zoo Regulations.

  Is the annual pass transferable? No, it is bound exclusively to the person to whom it is designated. The annual pass may only be used by the person named on the card and shown on the picture. Misuse is liable to prosecution. The pass holder is obliged to show an ID card to a member of the Cologne Zoo staff or to allow the zoo’s control personnel to visually inspect the photo on request. A copy of the pass (analogue or digital) is not admissible.

  Does the annual pass also apply to special events such as the China Light Festival? The annual pass is not valid for special events outside regular opening hours such as the China Light Festival, the Long Night in the Aquarium or the Halloween events in the zoo.

  Are annual pass holders given discounts for special events? Yes, annual pass holders usually receive a discount on the ticket for special events. Please read the information about the respective special events on this homepage.

  What do I do if my annual pass has been lost? The colleagues at ticket offices 5 and 6 at our main entrance are happy to issue a new annual pass. We ask for your understanding that we have to charge a fee of 5 euros for this service.

  A certain area/areas in the zoo is/are locked. Am I entitled to a refund of the cost of my ticket? Out of consideration for our animals (among other things, for births) and for other important reasons, such as weather conditions, necessary maintenance and construction, etc. there may in some cases be restrictions, such as the blocking of paths and/or animal houses. This takes place solely for your safety and the safety of our animals. We try to keep these restrictions as minimal as possible. In such case, there can be no refund/exchange of the entrance fee, either entirely or a pro-rata. In this respect, the acquisition of tickets of any kind, such as daily and annual passes, vouchers, action tickets, etc. does not give entitlement to certain services such as the presentation of certain animals or animal species or the possibility to use all the attractions in the zoo at any given time.

  Can the annual pass be withdrawn? In the case of violations, e.g. against the visitor’s regulations mentioned in our zoo rules, the annual pass will be withdrawn without any claim for compensation. The zoo rules can be found here.

  What does the Cologne Zoo do with the data provided on the annual pass?

  For the provision of services as part of your annual pass ownership at AG Zoologischer Garten Cologne we require and process your personal data. These comprise the first name, name, address, date of birth, photo, phone no. and e-mail address of the respective pass holder. For SEPA subscription annual passes, these also include bank details and the first and last name of the account holder.

  These data are saved only for a specific purpose, i.e. they are used only for the purpose for which they were collected (provision of services in connection with your annual pass – payment processing, access authorisation, term, master data management, etc.). This takes place on the basis of the visitor regulations and our terms and conditions in their currently valid version (which you can view at any time at www.koelnerzoo.de and at the ticket offices).

  We would like to expressly refer you to your rights (pursuant to art. 15-21 of the GDPR) to information, correction, deletion, blocking and objection regarding the personal data collected. In the case of the rights to information and cancellation, the restrictions pursuant to §§ 34, 35 German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), in conjunction with §§ 10, 12 Data Protection Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (DSG NRW), apply.

  If you wish your data to be deleted immediately or to object immediately against the storage of data within the term of your annual pass, the service with respect to annual pass ownership (access to the zoo, etc.) can no longer be provided by Zoologischer Garten Cologne AG. After expiry of the term of the annual pass, the data will be deleted unless they have to be kept in accordance with the relevant commercial and tax regulations. Deletion in such case takes place in accordance with the specifications of the latter.

  Responsible body:

  AG Zoologischer Garten Köln
  Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Cologne
  Tel.: 0221-7785-100
  info@koelnerzoo.de

  What do I have to do to obtain a reduced annual pass? Discounted annual passes are only sold upon presentation of a corresponding proof of eligibility (e.g. “Disabled persons”, “Cologne Pass”, “Adults from the age of 63” etc.). The respective conditions for obtaining a reduction are based on the currently applicable price lists posted at the ticket offices. Renewal of such passes is only possible until the date on which the eligibility requirements exist. The holder of such a pass must inform the AG Zoologischer Garten Cologne without delay if the eligibility requirements lapse. The card then loses its validity with the expiration date shown on it following the lapse of the entitlement.

  Can I receive discounts at other zoos with the annual pass?

  Each annual pass card currently entitles a reduction in the entry fee to the NRW-Partnerzoos, without Cologne Zoo accepting any liability or guarantee of any particular type of discount or another. The corresponding reductions listed in the “NRW Partner Zoos” apply.

• V. Vouchers

  Are reductions also valid for vouchers? Yes. Please note: Vouchers that require discounts of any kind will be exchanged by the zoo for the equivalent value of the corresponding ticket if the eligibility requirements still exist at the time the voucher is redeemed. Proof of entitlement must be presented and valid upon redemption of the voucher. This applies to all types of vouchers (e.g. “severely disabled persons”, “Cologne Pass”, “adults from the age of 63” etc.), but especially for the redemption of the so-called “Taster tickets” (the “Schnupperkarte”), which necessarily requires proof of birth date.

  Are the so-called “taster tickets” transferable? No, it is not permissible to transfer a “taster ticket voucher” to someone else. The “taster ticket” is also not transferable. It is for the sole use of the person to whom it was issued. The “taster ticket” may only be used by the person named on the card and shown on the picture. Misuse is liable to prosecution. The pass holder is obliged to show an ID card to a member of the Cologne Zoo staff or to allow the zoo’s control personnel to visually inspect the photo on request.

  When can the “taster ticket” be redeemed? We ask for your understanding that this free voucher can only be redeemed on weekdays (Mondays to Fridays), in consideration of our peak times at weekends.

  What do I do if the cash value of the voucher differs from the price of the desired ticket? Please note that vouchers can only be redeemed for the monetary value printed on them. The printed monetary value will be credited to the currently valid price of the selected ticket. If the price of individual tickets exceeds the value of the voucher, the difference must be paid. If individual tickets are cheaper than the printed monetary value, the remainder will be reimbursed or offset by the zoo.

  How long do vouchers apply? The Cologne Zoo entrance ticket vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of issue (except special price promotions such as “taster ticket”, “groupon” etc.).

• VI. Lost property

  Where can I enquire about lost property? You are welcome to enquire at our visitor service on 0221 77 85 114. We request your understanding that we cannot accept any liability for personal items of clothing, toys or other paraphernalia brought to the zoo.

• VII. Feeding & petting the animals, noise

  Is it permitted to feed the animals in Cologne Zoo?  No. In order not to endanger the health of our animals, there is an absolute ban on feeding throughout the zoo grounds. We feed all our animals sufficient quantities of carefully prepared food, which correspond to their respective needs. Incorrect feeding can lead to serious illnesses or even the death of our animals. It is also prohibited to feed free-flying birds in the zoo, such as pigeons and crows.

  May I pet the animals? In addition to feeding, petting our animals is generally prohibited, unless this is expressly permitted in the course of group tours guided by zoo staff/children’s birthday parties, etc. and supervised and controlled by the zoo staff. Our animals need their breaks too. Therefore, please do not try to attract their attention by shouting, making noise, throwing objects, tapping on the windows or the like. This would considerably disturb our animals, which would only respond by withdrawing. You would thus miss the chance of observing the natural behaviours of the animals, which only occur when they are not disturbed. Therefore, please do not touch water tanks or aquariums and keep an eye on your dependants to ensure they don’t either. The zoo reserves the right to immediately expel persons who violate these regulations from the grounds, to exclude them from visiting the zoo in the future and, if necessary, to take further legal action.

  Is it possible to wear carnival, Halloween or other costumes at the zoo?  This is possible, unless it concerns whole body costumes with a corresponding mask or head covering, which could possibly irritate our animals. In case of doubt, our entrance staff is responsible for the decision, with a request for understanding.

• VIII. Smoking

  Can I smoke in Cologne Zoo? Cologne Zoo is generally smoke-free. Smokers can use the designated smoking areas. This applies to commercial cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos as well as all types of e-cigarettes.

• IX. Alcohol, drugs, weapons

  Can I bring alcohol into the zoo? It is not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into Cologne Zoo. People affected by alcohol or other intoxicants may be refused admission to the zoo. The same applies to carrying weapons (pistols, knives, chains, knuckle-dusters etc.). In case of suspicion, the AG Zoologischer Garten Cologne is entitled to carry out random or systematic bag checks as part of the normal zoo operation as well as at special events and to refuse entry even if a valid ticket is presented, against reimbursement of the purchase price.

• X. Wheels, scooters, skateboards

  Can I bring bicycles, scooters, inline skates, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, sledges etc. into the zoo? We ask for your understanding that bringing bicycles, scooters, inline skates, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, sledges, etc. into the zoo is not permitted out of consideration for your safety and that of all the other visitors. This also applies to bringing and playing with balls, Frisbees and balloons. In the interests of safety and to protect our visitors and animals against unreasonable adverse effects, we also reserve the right to prohibit other objects and vehicles from being brought in, such as handcarts that due to their size and nature may disturb other visitors. Balance bikes are permitted for the youngest visitors.

• XI. Animals & pets

  Can I bring dogs or other pets to the zoo? We ask for your understanding that this is not permitted. The reasons are in the interests of our animals, visitors – and not least in the interests of dog owners themselves. For example, we reduce the risk of transmitting disease from dogs to our – sometimes very rare – exotic wild animals. Furthermore, we have many walk-through facilities, where you can’t take dogs in with you for animal safety reasons. We also prevent our animals from feeling irritated or frightened by dogs that behave aggressively, for example. At the same time, we are thus also protecting domestic dogs from contact with animals that they have never met in their local environment. For many dogs, a visit to the zoo may be stressful, because they are afraid of predators, for example. The dog ban is also valid for the sake of many of our visitors. Since visitors are used to our “dog-free” environment, this should not be changed, because some people are afraid of dogs, whether justifiably or not. We also want to keep our children’s playgrounds, paths and parks free from dog faeces, in the interests of everyone.

  Can I bring assistance dogs to the zoo? Yes, this is possible for permit holders. We would be pleased if you could let us know in advance about your visit with an assistance dog, by phoning 0221/77 85 114 or by e-mailing besucherservice@koelnerzoo.de so that we can inform our security staff. We also request that your dog wear an appropriate distinguishing harness/strap. Only the holder of the authorisation is permitted to bring an assistance dog with them. Please show the authorisation certificate to staff at the visitor service desk.

• XII. Photography/filming

  Can I take photos or make films in the Cologne Zoo? Can I use the material commercially?  Please feel free to take plenty of photos or make films for your family archive. However, please understand that the photos may only be used for private purposes. Commercial use is only permitted after obtaining prior written consent. Commercial use means any intentional use of the zoo photos or film footage to generate profit. (Among other things, this includes use on the Internet in connection with advertising banners or similar advertising measures). If you would like to apply for such a permit, please contact our press office at presse@koelnerzoo.de.

• XIII. Notification of loss

  I have sustained harm at the zoo or an item of mine has been lost. Where do I have to report this?  All facilities in the Park are carefully maintained and monitored. Should you nevertheless be harmed through no fault of your own, please report the claim at our visitor service centre at the main entrance before leaving the zoo grounds. Please also always contact us if there is any reason to believe that an incident may cause later damage. A claim for damages is excluded if a possible and reasonable damage report is submitted only after leaving the zoo. Found items are to be delivered to the visitor service at the main entrance. Lost items can be requested at the visitor service desk, if they have been handed in there. Please note: The zoo accepts no liability for lost items.

• XIV. Handcarts

  Can I rent a handcart at Cologne Zoo? We are happy to provide you with a handcart for a rental fee of €5 plus a deposit of €10. These are issued by our staff at the entrance gate. Please note that the number of rental handcarts we have on offer is limited. Reservation is not possible. Please also note that in the event of special evening events such as the China Light-Festival or Halloween, in the interests of our visitors’ safety we are unable to provide handcarts, due to the darkness and the risk of stumbling.

• XV. Accepting and identifying animals

  Does the Cologne Zoo accept animals from private owners? We request your understanding that for reasons of space and veterinary medicine it is impossible for us to accept animals from private households.

  Does the Cologne Zoo help with the identification of animals? The biologists of the Cologne Zoo have to fulfil a variety of daily tasks in the fields of animal husbandry, science, research and species protection. We therefore ask for your understanding that it is not possible for us to examine and identify animals on site or in the zoo. We are also unable to identify unsolicited photos sent by private individuals, such as native or invasive birds, mammals or insects.

• XVI. Wheelchairs & people with walking aids

  Can wheelchairs be rented at the zoo? We have a limited number of wheelchairs available free of charge for people with disabilities. Please note that we only have a limited number and therefore request that you make a reservation in plenty of time. Otherwise, we can not guarantee that a wheelchair will be available. We also request your understanding for the fact that we can only deliver individual wheelchairs on payment of a deposit and only if the borrower is accompanied by a non-disabled adult. Our wheelchairs are regularly maintained and serviced. However, we are obliged to inform you that we cannot accept any liability for damage/accidents that are attributable to faulty operation of our wheelchairs.

  Other obstacles for persons with assistant or other mobility restrictions:

  • Do not open all doors Automatically. E.g. toilet doors or certain doors in the animal houses.
  • The administration building itself can only be reached by stairs. There is no ramp, elevator or the like.
  • The asphalt in the zoo is not 100% perfectly smooth. It has elevations due to tree roots or minor unevenness due to damage.

  Obstacles Wheelchair Driver:

  • The floor in the Madagascar house is covered with bark mulch. This makes it difficult for wheelchair users to enter this house.
  • Bark mulch is located at an entrance from the jungle house. This is not practical for wheelchair users.
  • The uphill/downhill slope from the Elephant Park hill is too steep for a wheelchair user without assistance.
  • Some enclosures are difficult to see through bushes or walls from a wheelchair.
  • The viewing platform of the elephant park can only be reached by stairs. This is not practical for wheelchair users.
  • Not all viewing platforms or enclosure edges offer a ramp for wheelchair users. For example at the bears.

• XVII. LOCKERS

  Lockers: A limited number of lockers are available at the main entrance. The usage costs 1 Euro. Please contact our admission staff.

ZOO FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

How do I get to the Zoo?

Feedings

Treat time

We’d be happy to accompany you!

Guided Tours

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