Habitat at the Zoo
Masoala Rainforest
The Masoala Rainforest is one of our key habitats at Zoo Zurich. It represents state-of-the-art animal care and is closely linked to the Masoala conservation project in Madagascar.
When it opened in 2003, the Masoala Rainforest marked a milestone in the history of Zoo Zurich—and it continues to set the standard today, not only for us but for modern zoos around the world. It brings together what belongs together and allows our guests to see nature with new eyes.
Masoala Rainforest in Pictures
A miniature ecosystem: the Masoala Rainforest is a genuine rainforest on a smaller scale. Photo: Zoo Zurich, NIKON Oliver Malicdem
The red ruffed lemur is one of the most prominent animals in the Masoala Rainforest. Photo: Zoo Zurich, Fabio Süess
The largest reptile in the Masoala Rainforest: the Aldabra giant tortoise. Photo: Zoo Zurich, Tim Benz
One of the many bird species in the Masoala Rainforest: the Madagascar crested ibis. Photo: Zoo Zurich, Fabio Süess
This female panther chameleon chose the 18-metre-high tower of the treetop walkway for a rest. Photo: Zoo Zurich, Enzo Franchini
A place to explore: the animals in the Masoala Rainforest are not always visible at first glance. Photo: Zoo Zurich, Tim Benz
Masoala in Numbers
11,000
square metres make up this miniature rainforest ecosystem.
40
vertebrate species (approximately) live together in the Masoala Rainforest.
500
plant species (approximately) grow in the miniature ecosystem.
2003
was the year we opened the Masoala Rainforest.
2013
was the year the treetop walkway was added.
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