Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It was founded by the ornithologist Niels Kjærbølling in 1859. He was given the summer garden of "Prinsess Vilhelmines Have" (The garden of Princess Vilhelmine) by the chief directorate of Copenhagen.

The animals that the visitors could contemplate at the opening were eagles, chickens, ducks, owls, rabbits, a fox, a seal in a bathtub and a turtle in a bucket. In the early years the zoo focused on showing as many different types of animals as possible, but as animal welfare later became an issue, the number of different species has dropped in favour af more space to each animal.

Copenhagen Zoo is the most visited zoo in Denmark. The range of animals and the addition of new facilities in recent years places it among the best in Europe.

Through the years, the others Danish zoos have benefitted from the knowledge and expertise of Copenhagen Zoo, as well as from its international engagement. Copenhagen Zoo has through the years provided extended consulting services to the other Danish zoos, among other things in relation to the founding of school services and teaching departments and in relation to veterinarian and international issues.

The Zoo is open every day, all year round - even over Christmas and New Year.
 
Opening hours
January daily 9-16
February daily 9-16
March weekdays 9-16, weekends 9-17
April weekdays 9-17, weekends/public holidays 9-18
May weekdays 9-17, weekends/public holidays 9-18
June daily 9-18
July daily 9-21.30
August daily 9-21.30
September weekdays 9-17, weekends/public holidays 9-18
October daily 9-17
November daily 9-16
December daily 9-16 (24/12 and 31/12 9-14)

Tickets
The ticket office closes half an hour before the Zoo closes.
Adults DKK 120
Children (aged 3-11) DKK 60 

Groups (min. 15 people)
Adults  DKK 110
Children (aged 3-11)  DKK 50