Basel Zoo - also known as "Basler Zolli" - opened on 3 July 1874 as Switzerland's first zoo. Today, the zoo is an integral part of the city and is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Basel Zoo is founded as a public limited company, as are other zoos. The reason is obvious: zoos have considerable costs, for animals, food, staff and much more. When it is founded, the aim of the public limited company is not to use any public funds. The zoo should be largely self-supporting. However, the financial situation is not rosy in the early days. In order to increase the zoo's attractiveness and generate more income, circus companies and traveling troupes were invited to present their exotic animals. In keeping with the spirit of the times, several folk shows were also held, which brought in a lot of money. Another anecdote: in the early days, rich Basel families were commissioned to take exotic animals home with them from their travels.
Investment for the future
Modern zoos face the challenge of creating species-appropriate habitats that meet both the needs of the animals and the expectations of visitors. The question of whether zoos are still fit for purpose has been around for some time. Zurich Zoo is setting an impressive example with its new Pantanal aviary. This huge facility, which is due to be completed by 2028, will be as large as the famous Masoala Hall and will also cost an immense amount of money. Estimates amount to around 52 million Swiss francs, similar to the Masoala Hall or the Lewa Savannah.
The Pantanal aviary at Zurich Zoo
The Pantanal aviary will cover an area of 11,000 square meters and reach a height of 35 meters. These impressive dimensions are necessary to create a natural habitat in which birds can fly in flocks. The aviary will not only provide a home for various bird species, but also for other animals such as tapirs and anteaters. The construction of this facility is a logistical and technical feat that will take four years to complete.
Zoos play an important role in species conservation and the preservation of endangered species. Many zoos are actively involved in breeding programs for endangered species and thus contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. They also provide educational programs and information about animals and their habitats, which helps to raise awareness of environmental and conservation issues. In addition, zoos can provide a safe space to observe and study endangered species, which supports research and science.
Critics argue that zoos are not species-appropriate and can be detrimental to animal welfare. Despite efforts to ensure species-appropriate husbandry, zoos cannot fully mimic the animals' natural habitat, which can lead to stress, behavioral disorders and a shortened life expectancy. In addition, zoos can contribute to conveying a false image of animals, as they are often presented in isolation and out of their natural environment. Another criticism is that the priority of zoos is often entertainment and profit, rather than the protection and welfare of the animals.
Société Royale de Zoologie d'Horticulture et d'Agrement de Bruxelles, stock certificate from 1851, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Following the example of the zoo in Antwerp, the Brussels Zoo was founded in 1851 to offer the bourgeoisie a place of recreation and to arouse scientific interest in flora and fauna. The garden was to include picturesque landscapes, halls for parties, zoological and horticultural collections, art exhibitions and scientific lectures. The company, which is conceived as a public limited company, will initially exist for 25 years. Despite the zoo's initial ambitions and popularity, the company was poorly managed and financial shortcomings led to high animal mortality and a lack of visitors. In 1876, the general meeting of shareholders decided to dissolve the company, which was finally taken over by the City of Brussels in 1880 and converted into a public park - today's Park Léopold.
Actien-Verein des zoologischen Gartens zu Berlin, stock certificate from 1900, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
The Zoological Garden in Berlin attracts worldwide attention when the little polar bear Knut is born in 2006. It was the first polar bear birth at Berlin Zoo in over 30 years. Berlin Zoo, which opened on 1 August 1844 as the first public zoo in Germany, is still a non-profit stock corporation without dividend payments. It was originally financed by a public limited company, which was founded in 1845. Despite economic challenges, the zoo was able to significantly expand its animal population in the 1850s. Dr. Heinrich Bodinus took over as director in 1869 and brought the zoo up to world-class standards. Following the construction of the aquarium in 1911-13, shareholders can gain free admission to the aquarium by paying an additional fee. Under the leadership of Professor Klös, who was director from 1956, the zoo was restored and regained its former importance by 1991.
Jardim Zoologico e d'Acclimação em Portugal, stock certificate from 1904, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
The first attempts to found a zoo in Portugal go back to the Dutch doctor Van der Laan. In 1883, a public founding committee convenes a constituent meeting at which King Luis I of Portugal pledges his support and Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg is appointed Honorary President of the Zoological Society. The Zoological Garden is opened on 28.05.1884. The shares from the second issue finance the zoo's move to the Quinta das Laranjeiras in 1904/05. The paper was designed by Anselmo Anturne de Carvalho, one of the most renowned Portuguese printers and engravers of the 19th century.
Zoologischer Garten Köln, stock certificate from 2002, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
On the initiative of Caspar Garthe, the "Actiengesellschaft Zoologischer Garten zu Cöln" is founded in 1858. A site is acquired in the north of the city. Anton Strauss designs the grounds and Heinrich Bodinus becomes the first director of the zoo, which opens in 1860. At that time, the animal population included monkeys, dromedaries, Egyptian lynxes (jungle cats), lions and antelopes, which made it necessary to expand the grounds. The first enclosures were built in Moorish style and some historic buildings, such as the elephant house, are still in use today. The baboon rock, introduced in 1914, follows the gridless animal presentation and remains one of the zoo's main attractions.