Copenhagen Zoo, Copenhagen (must see)

Copenhagen Zoo, nestled in the heart of Denmark's capital, is not only one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe, having been founded in 1859, but also one of its most progressive. Located on 11 hectares within the municipality of Frederiksberg, the zoo is uniquely positioned between Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken, attracting over 1.57 million visitors annually, making it the most visited zoo and a leading tourist attraction in Denmark.

The zoo was originally established by ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling with a modest collection of animals in "Princess Vilhelmines Have," a garden area donated by Copenhagen's chief directorate. From eagles and chickens to more exotic inhabitants like a seal in a bathtub and a turtle in a bucket, the zoo has dramatically evolved from showcasing a wide variety of animals to focusing on enhanced animal welfare and spacious enclosures.

A significant part of this evolution is evident in its architectural innovation, notably the Elephant House designed by the renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster. This structure is part of a broader movement within the zoo, started in the early 1980s, to replace traditional cages with enclosures that mimic natural habitats, thereby improving the quality of life for the animals and the authenticity of the visitor experience. The 1.5-hectare Savanna area and the underwater viewing features at the Hippopotamus House are prime examples of these efforts.

Copenhagen Zoo has also made strides in conservation, participating actively in European breeding programs to help preserve endangered species. Furthermore, the zoo has preserved several of its historical buildings which add a rich historical texture to the visitor experience. For example, the oldest building still in use dates back to 1872-a stable that now houses Bactrian camels-and a Herbivore House from 1875 still accommodating tapirs.

A standout feature of the zoo is its wooden observation tower, standing 43.5 meters high, which was built in 1905. This tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding parks and cityscape, resembling the architectural style of the Eiffel Tower. This is just one of the many features that make Copenhagen Zoo a unique blend of historical charm and modern zoological practice.