On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich invites visitors to an exclusive “Behind the Scenes: Living Species Protection in the Zoo” action day. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, nine normally inaccessible areas will open their doors for free guided tours, offering a rare glimpse into the complex world of modern zoological conservation.
What to Expect: A Glimpse Behind the Curtains
This special event provides answers to questions like: How is an elephant medically treated? How is food prepared for a variety of animal species? And how do veterinary medicine, zoology, animal care, education, and species protection collaborate in a modern zoo? Visitors will experience Hellabrunn from a unique perspective, revealing the intricate interplay of animal husbandry, research, education, medical care, and international species protection.
Areas Open for Tours:
- Zoo Directorate
- Zoology Department
- Veterinary Practice
- Feed Management
- Lion Enclosure
- Giraffe Enclosure
- Polar World
- Aquarium
- Zoo School
“With this action day, we want to make visible how diverse species protection is lived in a modern zoo. Many important tasks take place away from the visitor paths: in veterinary medicine, feed management, zoology, educational work, or directly in the animal houses. Those who look behind the scenes quickly realize how much expertise, care, and commitment are needed daily to protect endangered species and inspire people to preserve them,” says Zoo Director Dr. h.c. Rasem Baban.
Important Information for Your Visit:
Participation in the tours is only possible with a special wristband. These wristbands will be issued exclusively on the event day starting at 9:00 AM at the Flamingo Service Center, directly to the participants. The principle of “first come, first served” applies.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Event: Behind the Scenes: Living Species Protection in the Zoo
- Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Time: Free guided tours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Location: Hellabrunn Zoo, Tierparkstraße 30, 81543 Munich
- Participation: Only with a wristband, issued from 9:00 AM at the Flamingo Service Center
- Principle: First come, first served
- Participants: Maximum 20 people per tour, minimum age four years. Children under four years cannot participate.
- Special Note: Nine backstage areas are opening their doors.
- Restrictions: No advance reservations. Each visitor can participate in a maximum of two different tours. Photography and filming are prohibited in backstage areas. Dogs, strollers, handcarts, and similar items are not allowed on tours.
This day offers a special opportunity for families, nature-loving Munich residents, and anyone interested in learning more about the work of a scientifically managed zoo to discover Hellabrunn anew. Species protection is teamwork, and in Hellabrunn, conservation projects, veterinary care, specialized infrastructure, modern animal care, and environmental education are closely intertwined.
How to Prepare:
To avoid disappointment, arrive early to secure your wristband. The exact tour schedule will be available on-site. Remember that each person can only receive one wristband and participate in a maximum of two different tours.
This is a unique chance to understand the dedication and expertise required to protect endangered species and educate the public about their preservation. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Hellabrunn Zoo from a whole new perspective!
Source: https://www.nachrichten-muenchen.com/hellabrunn-oeffnet-die-backstage-tueren-gelebter-artenschutz-hinter-den-kulissen/225838/
