Allwetterzoo Münster in Germany Opens New Meranti Hall

(eap) The time has come: As of today, a new tropical experience is available for guests at Allwetterzoo Münster. In the new “Meranti Hall”, named after the meranti tree native to the Asian tropics and realized in a construction period of 30 months near the entrance of the zoo, visitors can now admire more than 15 different exotic, partly highly endangered animal species, including giant otters, tapirs, sloths, anteaters and howler monkeys. In the 16-meter-high, 4,400-square-meter tropical hall with a domed roof, visitors can observe the animals on a circular walkway or from an elevated walkway seven meters above the ground. The giant otters can also be admired swimming and playing underwater through a large glass front. The associated outdoor area of the hall covers an area of 11,000 square meters. While the interior planting of the hall was planned together with the Botanical Garden of the University of Münster, Zoo Leipzig also provided advice and assistance to create the most authentic tropical feeling possible for animals and visitors. The company KaGo & Hammerschmidt is responsible for the artificial rock design inside and outside the hall as well as for illusion paintings. The hall also features an event area that can be rented for private festive occasions or corporate events.

“We are incredibly proud of our new attraction,” said Zoo Executive Director Dr Simone Schehka. “It has become a home for tropical animals from around the world. Together, they are important ambassadors for species conservation. Unique animal heritage as well as virtual vistas take visitors on a journey around the globe and impressively illustrate the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. It’s a great feeling to see now that the intensive work of the last few years has paid off.”

The Meranti Hall was created through a joint project between the Allwetterzoo, the city of Münster and the Münster Zoo Society and is the first component of the 2030+ master plan, which amounts to a total investment volume of 59 million euros and was created together with dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur. The Münsterland zoo expects to attract over 750,000 visitors p.a. ■