Hellabrunn Zoo Reopens Petting Zoo and Aviary with New Safety Measures
Munich, March 5 – After more than a year of closure, Hellabrunn Zoo is set to reopen its popular petting zoo, featuring the beloved Bulgarian Long-haired Goats, starting this coming weekend, March 7th and 8th. This decision follows extensive measures to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors. Additionally, the zoo’s large aviary, which was temporarily closed due to avian influenza concerns, has also reopened to the public.
Petting Zoo Returns with Enhanced Safety Protocols
The petting zoo, located in the Mill Village, was initially closed in early 2025 due to “animal management reasons” and an elevated “risk of various animal diseases.” Now, the zoo’s management has confirmed its reopening, albeit with new conditions. “For the welfare of the animals, several new regulations will apply upon reopening: In the future, the facility will only be open on weekends, public holidays, and during Bavarian school holidays, from 10 AM to 4 PM,” the zoo announced in a statement.
During these hours, the animals will be supervised by volunteer conservation ambassadors. “They will oversee the area, provide information on animal and species protection topics, and ensure compliance with applicable hygiene rules,” the statement added.
The rationale behind these measures is to protect both animals and humans. “Although the goats are regularly examined for their health, animals can carry pathogens that are harmless to them but can cause illnesses in humans,” the zoo explained. “Conversely, visitors can also introduce germs into the facility. For this reason, thorough hand disinfection is required when entering and leaving the area.”
Lena Bockreiß, the curator responsible for ungulates at Hellabrunn, emphasized the importance of such facilities: “Petting zoos are a vital experience for young and old to learn interaction with animals. The human-animal relationship is far more than emotional closeness. It also inspires even our youngest visitors to develop a passion for animals.”
She further noted that encountering this rare goat breed fosters awareness for its protection, aligning with Hellabrunn Zoo’s membership in the Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Animal Breeds (GEH).
Large Aviary Reopened After Avian Influenza Concerns
In other good news for zoo enthusiasts, the large aviary at Hellabrunn Zoo has also reopened to visitors. It was previously closed as a precautionary measure in late October due to an increased risk from the seasonal occurrence of Avian Influenza (AI).
Zoo director Rasem Baban stated, “The current infection situation regarding bird flu in the Munich area allows us to responsibly make this special place accessible to our guests again.” He assured that the zoo remains in close contact with the relevant authorities and continuously monitors the situation to avoid any risks.
The Hellabrunn aviary, particularly during winter, is considered a unique tranquil spot in Munich. Its light-filled steel and mesh architecture, designed by Frei Otto and Jörg Gribl, blends harmoniously into the Isar floodplain landscape, creating spacious, natural habitats for the birds. The structure spans approximately 500 square meters and reaches up to 18 meters in height. Visitors can currently observe Black Storks, various gull species, Demoiselle Cranes, and – depending on the weather – Yellow-breasted Macaws.
Previous Closures and Future Outlook
Both petting zoos at Hellabrunn (the original and the newly designed one at the Isar entrance, part of the Africa geo-zone, opened in 2020) had been closed since January 2025. Initially, the closures were attributed to “animal management reasons” and a heightened risk of animal epidemics, specifically Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which was a concern early last year. While Germany has since been declared free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the zoo maintained a cautious stance.
Dennis Späth, a zoo spokesperson, previously told AZ that while the situation with Foot-and-Mouth Disease was considered very volatile, the zoo was working on a concept for the mid-term reopening of the petting zoos with responsible safety measures. This concept has now been implemented, allowing for the partial reopening of the petting zoo area.
For families seeking alternative petting zoo experiences during the closure, Wildpark Poing was highlighted as the nearest option. However, with Hellabrunn’s petting zoo now partially reopened under new, stringent conditions, visitors can once again look forward to direct interaction with the animals.
Source: https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/muenchen/tierpark-hellabrunn-streichelgehege-oeffnen-wieder-unter-bestimmten-bedingungen-art-1096534
