The new Zoo Finder app is especially interesting for parents: City tours or vacations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can be easily and quickly enhanced with an additional attraction—a trip with the whole family to the nearest zoo!

Cantaloop project manager Frank Horn explains: “The idea for the app came to me during a trip through Germany with my children, specifically when I was desperately searching for a nice day trip destination at the last minute.”

The app was developed by cantaloop: In addition to location detection, it allows users to search for zoos in the immediate vicinity of their current location, as well as by ZIP code or city name. Registered zoos are displayed in a list, sorted by distance, or on a clear map. The app also provides useful visitor information such as opening hours, contact details, and admission prices for the selected zoo. Users are also informed about regional highlights.

“The zoos in our association and the VDZ itself are increasingly using new media such as the Internet or social networks like Facebook to inspire potential guests to visit the zoo,” says Peter Dollinger, Managing Director of the VDZ. “Because children—and adults, of course—can learn a great deal by visiting our zoos! For this reason, the Zoo Finder app was a logical next step!”

All zoos that are members of the VDZ are distinguished by their scientific leadership: They are committed to education, research, nature conservation, and recreation—for example, through the breeding of rare animals and their reintroduction into the wild. Ensuring that all animals are cared for in a species-appropriate manner goes without saying. In addition, animal welfare programs and animal sponsorship initiatives are supported. Peter Dollinger continues: “Zoos bring rare or exotic animals to life—and broaden children’s horizons tremendously. More so than books or television ever could.”