Pirate playground
Sabine Dohrmann / Das Bergische, Pirate playground

Eckenhagen Monkey and Bird Park

Reichshof

The animals that live in the largest private zoo in North Rhine-Westphalia are particularly sociable. Especially the little Barbary and squirrel monkeys. They are just waiting to pull your hair or closely inspect the hood of your jacket. So be warned before you enter their enclosure. It is also possible that next door, in one of the seven free-flight halls, a bird will glide "in a dive" just above your head.

It is precisely this experience with all your senses that makes the Eckenhagen Monkey and Bird Park so special. This is because the animals from more than 180 species do not live behind bars here, but can move freely in their areas and sometimes get up close to visitors in the truest sense of the word. And not just in the petting zoo, which is also located on the now eight-hectare site in the Bergisches Land region. The adventure world also includes a large playground, huts for barbecues with family or friends, a garden café and an indoor adventure hall.

A three-kilometer circular trail leads through the park. However, just like the animals, you can of course move around freely and decide for yourself which secret path you want to take or which of the themed gardens you prefer to spend time in. For example, there is the witches' garden, where the two runner ducks called Hansel and Gretel live in a stable disguised as an oven. Various types of fruit and vegetables grow in the farmer's garden, which has a history going back thousands of years, and not just in the Bergisches Land region. And in the pheasant garden, the proud birds stride through the magnificent flowers, the scent of which accompanies you on your tour.

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