Odense ZOO

Riverside zoo in the heart of Odense

Odense ZOO stretches along the leafy banks of the Odense River, just a short distance from the city centre yet feeling surprisingly green and secluded. Paths wind between tall trees, lawns and flowerbeds, with the water never far away. The grounds are compact enough to feel manageable, but layered with bridges, viewpoints and tucked-away corners that invite you to slow down rather than rush from exhibit to exhibit. The zoo is arranged around distinct habitat zones, so as you walk you move from one climatic world to another. Transitions are gentle: a shaded path might suddenly open onto a sun-baked savannah scene, or a glass door might lead into steamy rainforest air. Throughout, clear signage, models and displays frame the animals as part of broader ecosystems rather than isolated specimens.

Animals from manatees to Siberian tigers

The headline residents are spread across more than 130 species, ranging from familiar farmyard favourites to rare, conservation-dependent animals. One of the most distinctive areas is the Oceanium, where manatees glide through deep pools and penguins dart past underwater viewing windows, giving a sense of life in tropical rivers and icy coasts. On land, the Kiwara savannah area is designed to evoke an African floodplain, home to zebras, giraffes and antelope sharing open sightlines. Nearby, big cats such as lions and Siberian tigers occupy spacious, landscaped enclosures with rocks, climbing structures and sheltered zones. Primates are well represented too, with chimpanzees using ropes and platforms while younger animals play and interact in ways that are easy to observe from raised walkways.

Playgrounds, treetop walks and family comforts

Odense ZOO is as much about outdoor play as it is about watching wildlife. Multiple playgrounds cater to different ages, from simple sandpits and gentle slides to more challenging climbing frames and rope features. A standout attraction is the treetop walkway, a roughly 250-metre-long route raised among the canopy, combining forest views with small challenges and interactive quiz points about Danish nature. Cafés and food kiosks are scattered through the grounds, offering everything from simple snacks and ice cream to burgers and salads, often with views of nearby enclosures or the river. There are dedicated picnic tables and seating areas where you can unpack your own food, plus sheltered spots that make it easier to cope with changeable Danish weather. Facilities such as restrooms, changing areas and drinking water points are integrated so families can comfortably spend several hours on site.

Close encounters and seasonal experiences

Several experiences bring you physically closer to the animals. At set times, visitors can handfeed giraffes from raised platforms, meeting the animals at eye level and discovering just how long and agile a giraffe’s tongue can be. In summer periods, a lemur island opens for guided feedings, with keepers explaining behaviour and conservation as animals move freely nearby. Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations are posted on daily schedules, covering everything from big cats to penguins. Seasonal themes add extra layers: autumn events often play with Halloween atmospheres, while winter evenings can feature festive lighting and decorations that transform familiar paths into a more atmospheric after-dark walk.

Green credentials and educational mission

Odense ZOO holds Danish Green Attraction environmental certification, reflecting structured efforts to reduce energy use, manage waste and select more sustainable products. Information panels highlight these initiatives alongside broader messages about biodiversity and habitat protection, encouraging visitors to think about the links between home choices and faraway ecosystems. Education is woven into the visit rather than confined to classrooms. Interactive exhibits, quizzes on the treetop walk and well-placed viewing shelters all invite you to linger and observe behaviour, read about species roles in their ecosystems, and consider ongoing conservation projects. For many visitors, the blend of river landscape, curated habitats and thoughtful storytelling creates a day that is both entertaining and quietly informative.