Welcome to the Hippodom

The Cologne Zoo never seizes to deliver top class attractions. Who would have thought they could improve on the Elephant Park? Well they have - with the brand spanking new Hippodom. This recreated African river landscape gives visitors the chance to see hippos from a whole new perspective: they may waddle somewhat comically on land, but underwater they swim with a certain elegance and grace. Hippo fans will already know the hippo family well, Albert, Jenny, Afro and baby Kavango, and may fondly remember their old home in the Victorian style pavilion that once housed the elephants. Although the architecture was lovely, the smell was not, and no sooner has the keepers cleaned the evil looking pool, the hippos had sprayed around a little more poo with a helicopter-like-movement of their tails - apparently they like wallowing in poo-invested-waters. So it will be interesting to see how the zoo keep the crystal clear new water tanks in such pristine condition. One imagines a greeny brown scum starting to develop after a few years of hippo-pooing. Which means you should take the opportunity now to enjoy a clear view of the hippos swimming happily in their huge new tank, surrounded by palms and rocky outcrops. The crocodiles are their new neighbours and you can see them both above and below the water - which will make feeding time extremely very interesting. Don't miss the special World Cup guided tour of the zoo on the 13th June. At 11am you can take a special tour of the zoo's South African natives - book in advance.
www.koelnerzoo.de