Regenwaldhaus

The third tropical building built by Krefeld Zoo, the Regenwaldhaus opened in 1998, funded by the bequest of local entrepreneur Walter Gehlen, with support from the zoo's Friends association (Zoofreunde Krefeld e.V.) and numerous private donors, at a total cost of 4.5 million German marks. Across roughly 1,100 m², the greenhouse maintains a temperature of 25 to 28°C to recreate an equatorial rainforest climate. Its innovative architectural concept removes any visible barriers between visitors and animals, which roam freely throughout the space. It is home to about 40 animal species and 400 plant species, forming one of the densest reconstructed ecosystems in Germany. Krefeld Zoo, known for its succession of tropical houses, has made this greenhouse a signature of its identity since the late 20th century.