No birthday without a cake in Zoo Basel
4 July 2024
Basel Zoo celebrated its 150th anniversary on 3 July. Switzerland’s first zoological garden opened in Basel on 3 July 1874. Basel Zoo—also known as Zolli—was founded by the Basel Ornithological Society to awaken and promote the interest of Basel’s urban population in nature and the local animal world.
When it opened, it focused on native animals such as ibex, chamois, wild boar, and birds. The animals in the predator house, such as the wolf, lynx, badger, fox, and marten, and the bear kennel and the pool with otters and beavers, were a particular attraction. Individual representatives of an animal species were presented side by side in small cages.
Today, the zoo’s themed enclosures bring people and animals closer together, protect endangered species and promote biodiversity.
On 3 July, the zoo opened its doors to the public with various activities. But the zoo had even more to celebrate. On 11 March 2024, a male pygmy hippopotamus was born at the zoo. The mother is Ashaki (19 years), and the father is Napoleon (17 years).
Mother Saada with an offspring
Four cheetahs were also born on 19 May 2024. The cubs, two males and two females, spent their first weeks hidden in the barn. Now, they can be seen with their mother, Saada (3 years), in the outdoor enclosure. This birth is the first litter for Saada and the father, Drogo (4 years).
Photo: Guido Wasser, Basel
Photo: Guido Wasser, Basel
There is no birthday without a cake, in this case financed by sponsors. A large birthday cake was presented on 3 July. This beautiful animal farm presented the zoo animals and the cycle of life in nature. The zoo is not immune to this either.
Photo: Guido Wasser, Basel
After speeches by zoo director Olivier Pagan, the President of the Government Council Conradin Cramer, and the President of the Zoo’s Board of Directors Martin Lenz, the many attendees sang Happy Birthday to the Zoo, the four baby cheetahs, and the pygmy hippopotamus. Then, the circle of life took its course.
(Source and further information: www.zoobasel.ch)
Impressions of Zoo Basel
