The Zoological Garden Rostock in the Hanseatic city of Rostock was founded in 1899. It covers an area of 56 hectares in the Barnstorf forest. With about 4,200 animals in 430 different species, it is the largest zoo on the German Baltic coast. The Rostock Zoo is one of the most popular holiday destinations in northern Germany, and has been awarded the "Family Friendly Facility" seal of approval by the National Tourist Board on several occasions. In 2015, he was named the best zoo in Europe by zoo analyst Anthony Sheridan in his category (up to one million visitors). Particularly high marks were given for the quality of the animal houses and enclosures, for its green landscape and vegetation, the unique zoological and botanical ambience as well as for the diverse educational offers.
