Petting zoo at South Park

Imagine a cozy farm corner tucked away amidst the endless greenery of a vast park. This is exactly what the Petting Zoo in Südpark looks like — a unique place in the city of Düsseldorf where nature feels closer. Located on the grounds of a former garden exhibition spanning over 70 hectares, this site allows residents and guests visiting a country like Germany to feel the rhythm of rural life without leaving the metropolis.

South Park Petting Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The inspiring motto here is "See and Touch". On the grounds of the historic Höfchen estate, goats, sheep, donkeys, pigs, and even adorable guinea pigs have found their home. All animals are cared for by the staff of a vocational training workshop, which creates an atmosphere of warmth and sincere friendliness.

In addition to interacting with the four-legged inhabitants, visitors can peek into the herbal garden or visit the organic shop and cafe. This is not just a zoo, but a complete social and ecological project, harmoniously integrated into the landscape of one of the region's most beautiful parks.

For those planning a visit to this charming spot, it is helpful to have current contact information on hand. You can contact the farm administration, which is managed by the WfaA workshop, using the details below.

The main pleasure here is the hands-on contact with the animals. Throughout the route around the farm, you can observe the behavior of sheep, goats, and pigs. For children, the opportunity to pet fluffy rabbits or watch the noisy geese and ducks will be a real delight. Although bringing your own food is strictly prohibited, you can always purchase special balanced feed from vending machines to treat the friendly inhabitants.

After getting to know the fauna, it is worth taking a stroll through the picturesque vegetable and herbal gardens, which provide a wonderful insight into farming. This is a great opportunity to see how familiar crops grow in eco-friendly conditions.

For energetic little ones, a fantastic water playground is set up behind the Franz von Sales church. There, climbing walls, sandboxes, and exciting slides await them. While the kids play, adults can relax on the terrace of the family cafe, enjoying homemade cakes and aromatic coffee surrounded by the blooming park.

Getting to this picturesque spot in the Wersten district in the southwest of the city is quite easy. If you prefer to drive, it is most convenient to plan a route via Werstener Straße or Witzelstraße. The main entrance to the park is located on the Werstener Straße side, where the main play areas and cafes are within walking distance.

For fans of public transport, taking a tram or bus to the Südpark stop is an excellent option. It is recommended to check the schedule on the Rheinbahn transport company website in advance to choose the fastest route from the city center or the nearest subway station.

A taxi ride from the central station takes very little time, which is especially convenient for families with small children. The entrance to the farm area is well-marked with signs, making it almost impossible to get lost within the park complex.

The history of this place dates back to the mid-19th century. The main estate building, known as Höfchen, was built in 1859. Today, this house is recognized as an architectural monument and is under state protection, serving as a reminder of the rural traditions of that time.

The farm operated actively until the late 1970s, followed by a period of quiet. The complex received a second wind in 1987, when Düsseldorf hosted the prestigious Federal Garden Exhibition (BUGA). It was then that the historical buildings were carefully restored, preserving their authentic appearance.

The modern stage of the zoo's life is inextricably linked to a social mission. It is managed by the WfaA (Workshop for Adapted Work), which creates jobs for people with disabilities. Thus, by visiting the farm, guests support an important social integration project.

Today, the entire complex, which includes not only animal enclosures but also an organic shop and a cafe, operates on the principles of ecological management. It is a wonderful example of how historical heritage can serve modern society while remaining an island of sustainable development.

To leisurely walk around all the enclosures, interact with the farm inhabitants, and visit the local garden, it usually takes about 1.5–2 hours. This is quite enough for a standard introductory visit.

However, if you plan to have a full family outing including a visit to the water playground and lunch at the cafe, you should set aside at least 3 hours for the walk. Small visitors are often so fascinated by watching the animals and playing in the sandbox that time flies by completely unnoticed.

The petting farm hospitably opens its doors daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This schedule is convenient for both morning walks and afternoon visits, and the hours remain the same even on weekends.

Nevertheless, before your trip, it is recommended to check the project's official website to ensure there are no temporary changes due to events or weather conditions.

A walk through Südpark is just the beginning of your adventure. There are many interesting locations nearby that will help make your day in the city even more fulfilling and diverse.

If you are looking for active entertainment or intellectual challenges, pay attention to the following sites located nearby: