For a town the size of Landau, the zoo is a genuine surprise. It occupies a compact four-hectare site but manages to house an impressive range of species, including great apes, big cats, elephants, and a wide variety of birds. The layout is thoughtful and the enclosures give the animals more space than is typical for older German zoos.
The primate section is the highlight, with bonobos, chimpanzees, and gorillas in well-designed environments that allow close observation. The zoo has a research partnership with university primatologists, so the animals are studied as well as displayed. Children are well catered for, with a petting area and playground. The zoo is within easy walking distance of the town centre.