Research station

The zoo's new research station is located above the aquarium and next to the terrarium. Research and breeding, which used to take place mainly in the background, can now be seen and experienced by zoo visitors.

The zoo is pursuing a specific goal: Our research protects species, conserves nature and deepens our knowledge – both at the zoo and among our guests.

Insight thanks to six research rooms

Six research rooms provide insights and findings that were previously not possible at the zoo. Some of these rooms work like climate chambers: Temperature, humidity and lighting conditions are precisely controlled and documented. Nature is simulated 1:1, which enables optimum breeding conditions.

Visitors can watch highly endangered lizards, frogs, insects and fish mating and breeding. Screens also show them which research questions are of interest to the zoo. They learn how the zoo researches them and in cooperation with which research institutes – and of course why this work is important.

Research room 1

Research question: Which climate conditions encourage mating behaviours of Madagascan amphibians and reptiles?

We are looking into what kind of climate we need to simulate at our breeding station throughout the year so that these species can successfully reproduce. Part of this process involves collecting data and experiences under controlled conditions so that we can prepare instructions on how to breed the animals. These instructions can then also be used by other breeding stations in Europe and Madagascar.

Research Room 2

Research question: How does the poison dart frog care for its brood?

Together with researchers from the University of Bern, we are examining how exactly these endangered poison dart frogs care for their brood and the factors that influence the habits and behaviour of the parents. These new findings will help our partners at other zoos and at the nature conservation project in Colombia to successfully breed these and other endangered species of poison dart frogs.

Research Room 3

Research question: What technical know-how is being used to save the Rio Pescado stubfoot toad?

For this project, we are analysing how to imitate the climatic day/night rhythm at the zoo to ensure these highly specialised species experience the conditions they need to breed. The technical complexity involved in making sure the environmental conditions keep changing as expected is very high – but it is worth it to save these critically endangered species. Working under controlled conditions, we collect data and experiences that we use to prepare instructions on how to breed the animals. We then share this information with other European zoos and private keepers.

Research Room 4

Research question: How does the leafcutter ant colony adapt to its environment?

We are looking at whether and to what extent an ant colony will adapt if the types of food used to cultivate its fungus change. Will a colony produce larger and stronger ants if the only leaves available are thick and unbreakable? And, likewise, will it produce more of the smaller ants if the leaves are easy to cut up?

Research Room 5

Research question: What is the biology of the metallic stick insect?

We are researching endangered Madagascan insects and millipedes to deepen our knowledge about them. Until now, these species have only rarely been kept in zoos. We are analysing their husbandry needs and developing suitable breeding methods. The animals we are breeding will also be found in the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zurich.

Research Room 6

Research question: How can we prevent endangered Madagascan freshwater fish like the Mangarahara cichlid from dying out?

We are studying how to best keep the Mangarahara cichlid and other Madagascan fish species whose populations are threatened. Our research focuses specifically on suitable breeding methods. We have successfully bred fish that now live in the lakes of the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zurich. Have you spotted any?

Each research room also offers an interactive module. This invites young visitors in particular to explore and discover for themselves.

Focus on endangered species

Opposite the six research rooms, the zoo has created three new habitats on two levels. Endangered marmoset species have moved in there. They will later also be kept in the Pantanal aviary.

The spacious aviary in the entrance area of the new research station is home to eight species of birds, some of which are highly endangered, and the endangered Chinese stripe-necked turtle.

All animal species at the research station are listed in the animal encyclopaedia:

Research station animals