European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 22, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                European a visitor to the Frankfurt zoo reaches Down to pet two goats. A Kuh a a amps Jim do Tiemin Germany there s something for everyone two zookeepers give Drumbo an elephant at the Berlin zoo a Brush off. By Anita Gosch staff writer Don t expect to see any elephants at the Frankfurt zoo. The last one was Given away several years ago. That s because elephants thrive Best in herds and the Frankfurt zoo just loess t have the space. At about 2 7 acres it is one of the smallest zoos in Europe. Yet it attracts one of the highest numbers of visitors each year some 2.5 million people pass by the flock of flamingos on their Way in. And it is one of the least expensive of Europe s top zoos according to a recent Survey of five of the Best zoos it ranks fifth behind London Antwerp Copenhagen and Madrid in admission prices. The Frankfurt zoo is a Welcome Oasis in the midst of the Bustle and traffic of Germany s financial capital. Its winding paths Well tended lawns and Serene Ponds swarming with pelicans ducks geese and swans can make you forget that a Busy City lies just outside. In typical German style it is forbidden to walk on the zoo s lawns. But numerous benches offer visitors the Chance to grab a picnic lunch and soak in some Sun while watching the animals. Zoo officials attribute the High number of visitors to the fact that it has Many endangered species such As rhinos and hippos along with animals that Are almost impossible to keep and Breed in Captivity. The zoo founded in 1858, lists a number of world first Breeding successes including such rare species As Grevy s zebras Dusky Leaf langur pygmy marmosets pygmy chimpanzees and maned wolves. In 1956, the first african Rhino born in Europe was born at the Frankfurt zoo. The most recent Success was the birth of Rhino iguanas a Type of Lizard found Only in the hot climate of Southern California. Altogether the zoo has about 6,500 animals. After being nearly destroyed during world War ii the Frankfurt zoo replaced Many of its old cages and animal houses with spacious open air enclosures that simulate the animals natural habitats. Barriers were formed As far As possible by water and dry Moats. In some houses most notably the ape House visitors Are separated from the animals Only by thick Glass windows. The Best examples of natural habitats Are in the zoo s exit atrium and Gazimek House. The exit atrium is a Small zoo world. Visitors can watch penguins swimming and diving in an artificially cooled Polar landscape. In another Section rare colourful Birds Fly amid the foliage of a tropical River landscape. In the greenhouse like reptile Hall rare Breeds of lizards poisonous snakes tortoises frogs and crocodiles live in Glass enclosures filled with Lush tropical vegetation. In a new Breeding facility visitors can watch reptiles and amphibians hatching and growing. The exit atrium s insects rim provides up close looks at the Busy Workings of ants bees praying Matises beetles and the like. In the Gazimek House named after the zoo s former director Day turns into night. Artificial Moonlight allows visitors to observe nocturnal creatures in action. At night after the zoo closes Bright lamps Are lit simulating Daylight and the animals sleep. A highlight for visitors to the Frankfurt zoo is the twice a Day feeding of the seals. Crowds gather round to watch them do All sorts of tricks to get their food. The zoo also has a restaurant and a snack bar to satisfy hunger pangs. Youngsters will enjoy the Maze that has been Cut out of Bushes As Well As the children s zoo with donkeys Shetland ponies and pygmy goats. S stripes Magazine August 22, 1991