Underground zoo in Osnabrück: unique world of cave dwellers

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in the heart of Lower Saxony, more precisely in Osnabrück, visitors can expect an extraordinary attraction: the unique "underground zoo". Here animal lovers can immerse yourself in a fascinating world that extends completely underground. This facility, which was opened in 2009, is the only of its kind in Germany and offers a unique opportunity to observe cave dwellers in a loyal environment.

with an area of ​​500 square meters and a 150 -meter -long artistically designed cave system, it is enabled to feel like in a real tunnel labyrinth. The zoo has set itself the task of documenting the life of animals in caves and making them tangible. The caves, although artificially laid out, are so authentically designed that visitors believe that they see real wild animals that live in their natural habitat.

unique experiences in the underground zoo

Visitors are invited to experience the animal world very close. You can observe the animals both when they breed their young animals as well as when looking for food or during their mating rituals. The play of light inside the underground zoo ensures a mysterious atmosphere, and the winding corridors invite you to get lost. "Choose your own way", says a sign at the entrance to the tunnel, which underlines the experience factor.

Among the animal inhabitants of the zoo are not only naked mulle and giant groom, but also black-tailed prairie dogs and various types of bats. In addition, the zoo offers an impressive replica of a medieval sewer and a historical cellar ruin as a habitat for the rats living there.

innovative concepts lead to awards

The creative idea behind the underground zoo has already been honored with several prices. The facility not only received a “zoo-oscar”, but also an award from the “Germany-Land of Ideas” campaign. This recognition illustrates the innovative strength of the project, which also has a connection to the Natural History Museum and encourages visitors to look at nature and wildlife in a new way.

A special highlight is the area that was created especially for the bats. Here, visitors can immerse yourself in the grotto and experience the nourishing goals of the animals in an optimally educated environment. The dark bumblebees have also found their place in the zoo, and visitors can get close to a ladder, even a queen of earth.

The admission prices are fairly designed: adults pay 30 euros, children between 7 and 16 years come for 20.50 euros and the little ones between 3 and 6 years for 17.50 euros. Annual memberships also offer savings. The zoo is popular not only for the exciting exhibits, but also for the consistently positive response of visitors who give it an assessment of 4.5 out of 5 stars on platforms such as Tripadvisor.

The popularity of the underground zoo is also a form of light in the comparatively critical discussion about the ethics of Zoos as a whole. While some animal welfare organizations such as PETA question animals in zoos and describe them as "prisons for animals", the underground zoo emphasizes its responsibility to contribute to the education and awareness of animal species and nature conservation. These strong arguments make the debate about the role of zoos all the more important today.

experience the animal world in a new dimension

It remains to be seen how the discussion about Zoos will develop, but the underground zoo in Osnabrück exemplifies creative and innovative approaches to animal husbandry. The attraction of immersing in the world of cave dwellers could continue to attract many visitors in the future and possibly even help to change the views of the role of zoos in society.

The underground zoo in Osnabrück is not only a place for unusual animal observations, but also plays a role in the discussion about modern animal husbandry practices. While traditional zoos are increasingly criticized to take up new scientific knowledge and ethical standards, the underground zoo offers an innovative approach that puts both education and the well -being of animals in the foreground.

more and more institutions are trying to improve the living conditions of animals and to create interactive experiences that not only bring visitors closer to the living space of animals, but also promote awareness of their preservation. This is often done by immersive environments that are modeled on the natural habitats, similar to in the underground zoo, where the design of the caves and corridors reminds of natural caves.

Background for the animal welfare debate

The general debate about zoos and animal husbandry has become more intensive in recent years, especially in the context of animal welfare. Animal welfare organizations such as PETA and others vehemently campaign for the rights of animals and criticize the conditions in traditional zoos. These organizations argue that many animals in zoos develop psychological and physical problems due to the restrictions in their surroundings. The underground zoo in Osnabrück tries to address these concerns by creating species -appropriate habitats that come closer to the natural conditions of the animals.

A central component of the criticism of zoos is the question of the type of attitude: the underground zoo promotes an environment in which the animals can be observed actively while simulating their natural habitat. This promotes interaction between animal and visitors and offers insights into the life of species that would otherwise be difficult to observe. The possibility of moving in a rebuilt habitat where the animals do not live in cages but in natural facilities could be seen as progress in zoological attitude.

Current data and statistics on animal husbandry in Zoos

According to a study from 2021, 75% of the German population led the visit to a zoo on their list of leisure activities. At the same time, surveys showed that 80% of those surveyed express concerns about the conditions for animals in zoos. Many demand transparency in relation to the keeping conditions and the animals of the animals. With its innovative approach, the underground zoo could serve as a positive example of how the public and zoological institutions can create a balance between entertainment and animal welfare.

Another aspect is the importance of zoos for species protection. According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza), Zoos and Aquariums have contributed to their natural habitats worldwide in recent years. Such statistics underpin the role of Zoos not only as a place of entertainment, but also as actors in international species protection.