Plättli Zoo

Plättli Zoo is a private, family-run zoo on the edge of Frauenfeld, the capital of the canton of Thurgau in north-eastern Switzerland. The park sits on a hill at Hertenstrasse 41 and is home to roughly fifty animal species from around the world. It makes an easy half-day outing for families with children.

What kind of place is it?

Plättli Zoo is one of the few private zoos in Switzerland that manage to operate without public funding. That gives it an intimate feel: it is not a large theme park but a small zoo that you can explore at a relaxed pace, without crowds or rush.

Which animals can you see?

The collection includes lions, pumas, Barbary macaques, chimpanzees, raccoons, parrots, camels and snowy owls. The chimpanzees live in a new house that was built in 1996. The mix is varied: alongside predators and primates there are birds and the farm-type animals that children know well.

Is there a petting zoo?

Yes. Dwarf goats and domestic sheep can be visited directly in their enclosures. Camels, sheep, donkeys, ponies and pigs can be watched and stroked at the fence. For the youngest visitors this is usually the highlight of the day, because contact with the animals is so close.

What else is on site?

The grounds include a restaurant and a barbecue area, so it is easy to plan a picnic or a family meal. There is also a playground, which can be used even by people who have not bought a zoo ticket. After the animals, children can still burn off some energy.

Planning your visit

The zoo lies on the outskirts of Frauenfeld in Thurgau, within reach of Zurich, so it combines well with a visit to the town. The address is Hertenstrasse 41, 8500 Frauenfeld. Opening hours and ticket prices differ between directories, so check current details on the official website, plaettli-zoo.ch, or phone the zoo before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is Plättli Zoo good for small children? Yes. The petting area with goats, sheep, ponies and pigs, plus the playground, gives young children plenty to do. The site is compact, so there are no long distances to walk.

Can you eat on site? Yes, there is a restaurant, as well as a barbecue area for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.

Do you need a zoo ticket to use the playground? No, the playground can be used without visiting the zoo itself.

What are the largest animals here? Among the larger residents are lions, pumas, chimpanzees and camels.

How much time should you allow? For a park of this size a few hours is usually enough, and with a meal and time at the playground you can easily spend half a day.