How much does a day the zoo cost?

Every day, Zoo Zurich incurs costs in the amount of Fr. 143'000 (reference: 2024). We generate 87 per cent of the income to cover these costs ourselves – among other things with the sale of admissions, thanks to the income from the zoo restaurants and shops, and with the income from events and sponsorship. We receive the remaining 13 per cent of our income from subsidies from the city and canton of Zurich (Gemeinnütziger Fonds).

expenses per day

• Staff: CHF 78'000.–
• Development, logistics, energy & maintenance: CHF 22'000.–
• Purchasing of goods restaurants & shops: CHF 21'000.–
• Visitor services, advertising & marketing: CHF 7000.–
• Administration: CHF 7000.–
• Research & conservation: CHF 4000.–
• Animal food & veterinary care: CHF 4000.–
• Total: CHF 143'000.–

All figures rounded to CHF 1000.–

Revenue per day

• Restaurants & shops: CHF 67'000.–
• Adminissions: CHF 51'000.–
• Subsidies city & canton of Zurich: CHF 19'000.–
• Events, sponsoring & patronages: CHF 13'000.–
• Total: CHF 150'000.–

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​All figures rounded to CHF 1000.–

Where do donations go?

All donations from private individuals or companies to Zurich Zoo or our conservation projects go entirely to the construction of new animal facilities or to the corresponding conservation projects. We do not use them to finance operating costs.