Walter Zoo

Walter Zoo is a zoo in Gossau, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen, open every day of the year. Animals, adventure playgrounds and daily shows make it an easy full-day outing, especially for families with children.

Where is Walter Zoo and how do you get there?

The zoo sits in the hamlet of Neuchlen, at Neuchlen 200, 9200 Gossau SG. The grounds cover roughly 5.5 hectares, so a visit is relaxed rather than a long trek. Parking is limited, so public transport to Gossau station is the recommended way to arrive. A shuttle bus runs from the station during zoo opening times, starting at 9 o'clock at half-hour intervals. Current opening hours and ticket prices are on the official site, walterzoo.ch.

Which animals can you see?

The zoo is home to about 900 animals from roughly 100 species (sources give slightly different numbers). Residents include Siberian tigers, chimpanzees, red pandas, dwarf otters, zebras, camels, vicuñas, flamingos, parrots, meerkats, sloths and reptiles. The zoo is also preparing a 1,600 square metre enclosure for rare Barbary lions, which are due to return to Gossau after an absence of eleven years.

What else is there besides the animals?

The programme is broad. Keepers give commented feedings and animal activities, there is a flight show, and a zoo school for children and young people. Younger visitors can enjoy adventure playgrounds and pony and camel rides. A zoo theatre stages a themed show at 11:00 and 15:00, included in the admission price.

Where can you eat?

The grounds have a restaurant, food stands, barbecue spots and picnic areas. A brunch is served on Sundays, and it is even possible to stay overnight at the zoo.

What is the history of Walter Zoo?

The zoo was founded in 1961 by circus performers Walter and Edith Pischl. Walter Pischl, known as "Animal-Walter", began with a school animal show in Neuchlen. Over the decades it grew into a zoo that now draws roughly 275,000 to 300,000 visitors a year. Today it is run by Walter Zoo AG, a company founded in 2001 that also operates the restaurant. The zoo describes itself as scientifically managed and says it runs two rescue stations for native wildlife.

Is the zoo controversial?

As with many zoos, yes, to a degree. The birth of a male chimpanzee, the first at the zoo in eight years, drew criticism from PETA of chimpanzee breeding and housing. The zoo's zoologist rejected the criticism. It is worth knowing before a visit if the keeping of animals in captivity matters to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Walter Zoo open all year? Yes. Official tourism listings describe it as open 365 days a year. Check walterzoo.ch for the hours.

Can you get there without a car? Yes. Take public transport to Gossau station and use the shuttle bus that runs during opening hours.

Is it a good choice for families with children? Yes. The playgrounds, pony and camel rides, theatre and zoo school are designed with families in mind.

How much time should you plan? With 5.5 hectares and a schedule of shows, half a day to a full day is typical, depending on how many shows you want to catch.