An African savannah 

For a northerner, this is a scene, you do not see often - an African savannah, full of exotic wildlife. Zebras and elegant antelopes play among the ostriches and long-necked giraffes.
In a water hole beneath a cliff, a pygmy hippopotamus frolics in his natural element. The ostriches, who can grow 3 meters tall, prance proudly about and keep a watchful eye.

Animals up close

In a little hut by the water, you can experience the animals of the savannah at close range when they come down to drink, or when the little hippo takes a refreshing bath.
All in all, this scenery was taken right “Out of Africa” - which, incidentally, was written by a Dane. 


African wildlife & architecture 
For the equivalent of about EUR 5.5 million, the zoo has recreated a piece of Africa that is now home to various species of African origin.
Some of the savannah’s inhabitants can be seen in a circular “barn” of 700 sq. meters, with a 15 meter-high ceiling. This led to the acquisition of a new species for the zoo - the warthog. The village also has a tropical habitat with water holes for the pygmy hippos, and an area for the ostriches. A baobab tree almost 15 meters tall and a primitive school, with classroom at one end and donkeys at the other, help complete the impression of a piece of Africa transplanted in North Jutland. All the buildings in the village are inspired by traditional African design and architecture.


Like being on safari
The authentic surroundings make visitors feel as if they are actually roaming the Dark Continent among the wildlife. The animals look, sound and smell differently than you are used to in other zoos.
“We don’t want to merely show animals in cages,” says the marketing manager at Aalborg Zoo. “It gives visitors a much greater experience if the animals can be perceived through the senses, and observed in an environment as similar to their natural habitat as possible.”
She points out that visitors at Aalborg zoo do not just see the animals - they are educated as well.