Knies Kinderzoo in Rapperswil: 2025 Visitor Guide

For many Swiss, the legendary Knie family evokes memories of visits to the circus and trips to the children's zoo.

After more than 50 years in business, the seventh generation of the Knie family continues to mesmerize us with the Swiss National Circus and Knies Kinderzoo in Rapperswil.

What to Expect at Knies Kinderzoo in Rapperswil

I had the chance to meet with Mr. Franco Knie in Rapperswil to find out more about the philosophy behind Knies Kinderzoo. While the zoo entrance with its iconic gate has remained unchanged since childhood, Mr. Knie highlights many interesting attractions I wished had existed when I was little.

Unlike some other zoos, Knies Kinderzoo is very much hands-on. This is no coincidence, as it reflects the original philosophy of the founders: "We consider the Kinderzoo to be a gift to the younger generation.

Close encounters with animals, whether they are domestic or exotic, will always be important. And this is especially true for today's kids who grow up with iPhones and the Internet," explains Franco Knie.

You will be in touch with animals within just a few minutes of entering the zoo. Whether it is feeding a rhino or petting a goat, these memorable experiences ultimately make people want to return.

Take the lookout point at the giraffe enclosure. From the feeding station, it is possible to go eye-to-eye with giraffes!

Knies Kinderzoo is home to 45 animal species, from Asian elephants to the tiny Eurasian harvest mouse.

Did I mention meerkats?

The mighty cheetah is one of my favorite animals to watch:

Animal Population at Knies Kinderzoo in 2025

• Total number of animals: 381
• Endangered species: Asian Elephant, Rothschild Giraffe
• Tallest animal: Rothschild Giraffe, 4 - 6 meters
• Smallest animal: Eurasian Harvest Mouse
• Heaviest animal: Asian Elephant bull 'Thisiam', approx. 6800 kg
• Lightest animal: Eurasian Harvest Mouse, approx. 5 - 7 grams

Other attractions included in the admission ticket:

Franco Knie on Today's Zoo Visitors

Franco Knie reflects on the behavior of visitors today compared to the past: "Kids still do not know enough about animals - despite the accessibility of information. However, the way that seeing, touching, or even feeding animals here at Kinderzoo fascinates them is largely unchanged."

According to Knie, one of the differences is that sales of disposable cameras at the zoo's kiosk have plummeted - thanks to the advent of the iPhone. "Our visitors have also become more international, so we offer information in English as well."

The Himmapan Elephant Park at Knies Kinderzoo

Knie gives us some background on the Himmapan Elephant Park: "We planned on expanding our elephant section for a long time, but we did not want to do it at the expense of the soccer field next door. When the city decided to build a new sports facility elsewhere, we moved full steam ahead with the new park for Asian elephants."

The Himmapan are mythical creatures from Asian legends. As part of the zoo's commitment, Knies Kinderzoo is taking part in the European Endangered Species Programme, which aims to protect Asian elephants.

Essential Information to Plan Your Knies Kinderzoo Visit

Kinderzoo Admission Prices in 2025:

• Children (above 4 years): CHF 9.00*
• Adults (above 16 years): CHF 23.00

Insider tip: Children enjoy free admission on their birthday. (Bring your twins, too!)

Address and Opening Times:

Knies Kinderzoo
Oberseestrasse 36
8640 Rapperswil

We recommend arriving in Rapperswil by train - the zoo is just a few minutes' walk from the station. There are three restaurants on-site, including the highly recommended Himmapan Lodge, which serves Thai food.

Knies Kinderzoo is open daily from 9 AM - 6 PM from March 1 through October 26, 2025.