Knie's Kinderzoo

Knie's Children's Zoo is a charming corner of nature located in the Swiss town of Rapperswil-Jona on the shores of Lake Zurich. This unique destination is part of the winter quarters of the famous Swiss National Circus, Switzerland's Knie. Unlike traditional zoos, the focus here is on close contact between humans and animals, making it an ideal space for young explorers.

Knie's Children's Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The zoo is home to about 400 animals representing over 40 species. Here, you can encounter majestic Asian elephants, giraffes, playful sea lions, as well as meerkats, kangaroos, and farm residents. One of the main features of this place is the complete absence of predators, which creates an atmosphere of absolute safety and tranquility even for the youngest visitors.

The core philosophy of the zoo is a "hands-on" approach. Guests are allowed not only to observe the animals but also to feed them with special food, pet them, and even ride some of them. The clean and well-maintained grounds, complete with playgrounds and cozy restaurants, make a visit to the zoo an unforgettable educational adventure for the whole family.

For your convenience, we have gathered the zoo's main contact details so you can easily check any information before your trip or find your way on-site.

The main attraction at this zoo is the direct interaction with animals. Children are delighted by the chance to pet and feed goats, sheep, and rabbits in a special contact zone. Be sure to climb up to the observation deck to be at eye level with the giraffes and offer these giants a treat — it is one of the most memorable experiences available to visitors.

For those seeking activity, there are unique opportunities for elephant, pony, and camel rides. It is also worth visiting the Himmapan park, where you can observe elephant life from a bridge, or checking out the Otarium aquarium. Don't miss the thrilling sea lion show and the aerial performances of trained parrots, which run on a schedule and always draw a large crowd.

Beyond interacting with the animals, children will find huge play areas within the zoo. The most popular is the pirate ship and a 1,000 m² adventure playground. While the kids play, adults can relax at the Himmapan Lodge Thai restaurant or enjoy a family picnic in the barbecue area. This blend of education and play makes a day spent here both rich and rewarding.

Reaching this wonderful corner of nature is very simple, as it is located within walking distance of the city center. The most convenient and popular way to travel for both tourists and locals is by rail. The zoo is just a 2–5 minute walk from the Rapperswil railway station or the Seedamm stop.

If you are traveling from Zurich or neighboring regions, take a direct train to Rapperswil-Jona station. The walk from the station to the zoo entrance (address: Oberseestrasse 36) takes you along the picturesque lakeshore, making for a pleasant addition to your journey.

For those who prefer to drive, parking areas are available near the grounds. However, during the peak season, public transport may be a better choice due to the limited number of parking spaces. You can also quickly reach the zoo gates from the city center by taxi.

The history of this place began on June 10, 1962, when brothers Fredy and Rolf Knie, representatives of the fifth generation of the famous circus dynasty, opened the zoo as a gift to children. The project was designed by architect Wolfgang Behles. From the very beginning, this place was intended as the winter quarters for the Knie Swiss National Circus, where animals could rest from touring and interact with the public in a calm environment.

The zoo quickly became a site for significant natural events. As early as 1963, the first Asian elephant in Switzerland was born here, which became a true sensation. Later, in 1972, an indoor dolphinarium was built, and in 1975, the first dolphin born in a landlocked country, named Rappi, arrived here.

In the following decades, Knie's Children's Zoo continued to evolve: in 1991, a sea lion pool with a unique underwater window was added, and in 1993, the world saw the first giraffe born here, named Baluku. In 2012, the zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary by unveiling new enclosures for capybaras and updated parrot shows.

Today, the zoo carefully preserves the Knie family traditions, constantly updating its infrastructure and animal care standards to remain one of Europe's most beloved family vacation spots.

To walk through the entire area at a leisurely pace, meet the inhabitants, and take souvenir photos, it usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. The zoo features a compact layout, allowing you to see its main zones in a relatively short time.

However, if you plan to attend a sea lion show, take an elephant ride, or linger at the playgrounds, we recommend setting aside half a day for your visit. This is especially true for families with children, who will surely want to spend more time in the petting zones and on the adventure pirate ship.

The zoo welcomes guests during the warm season. It is open daily from the beginning of March to the end of October. Please note that the zoo is closed during the winter months, as many animals and staff members prepare for the new season or take a rest.

Opening hours during the season (Monday – Sunday) are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The zoo is open seven days a week, including public holidays, making it easy to plan your visit at any time that suits you.

A visit to the zoo can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the city's historical and cultural sites. The shores of Lake Zurich are famous for their architecture and cozy atmosphere, which beautifully complements the experience of meeting the animals.

Below are interesting sites located in the immediate vicinity that are worth including in your itinerary: