Who gets into the Opel-Zoo for free? - Opel Zoo celebrates 70 years with new exhibits and record crowds
Opel Zoo is marking its 70th anniversary with new exhibits, special events, and record visitor numbers. Founded on September 10, 1956, by Georg von Opel, the zoo has grown into a major attraction with 221 species and over 1,700 animals. Celebrations will include free entry for those born in the zoo's founding year.
The zoo's origins trace back to 1956, when Georg von Opel, grandson of Adam Opel, established the Georg von Opel – Freigehege für Tierforschung. Since then, it has expanded its animal collection and visitor offerings. In 2025, attendance reached 648,000—a 9.5% rise from the previous year.
New additions this year include blue poison dart frogs, iridescent purple glossy starlings, and harvest mice. The elephant house now features an aquarium and terrarium, home to elephant trunkfish and elephant shrews. Meanwhile, the former porcupine enclosure has been redesigned for meerkats, and white-headed capuchins are no longer on display.
To celebrate the milestone, a large photo frame at the main entrance lets visitors take anniversary pictures. A birthday event is scheduled for September 12. As part of the celebrations, anyone born in 1956 can enter for free from March 1 to October 31.
The zoo's 70th anniversary brings fresh exhibits and growing visitor interest. With new species, updated enclosures, and special offers, Opel Zoo continues to attract animal lovers. The upcoming birthday event will mark another chapter in its long history.
