Wings of the World: Discover the Bird Kingdom at Wilhelma
Just steps beyond Wilhelma’s main entrance, visitors are welcomed by a vibrant flock of flamingos, signaling the beginning of an immersive journey into the avian world. From walk-through aviaries to peaceful lakeside views, Wilhelma’s bird exhibits span five continents and nearly two centuries of avicultural history.
At a glance:
Animal species: flamingos, penguins, parrots, cranes, emus, quails, spoonbills, and more
Highlights: free-flight aviary, African penguins, Damascene Hall, wading bird meadows
Fun fact: The first exotic bird at Wilhelma was an Inca cockatoo, gifted in 1861 by order of King Wilhelm I
A Pink Welcome
A splash of pink greets visitors behind the gates: the greater flamingos. These sociable birds nest communally and share brooding duties. During nesting season, the surrounding grasses are left to grow tall to avoid disturbing the birds. They’re often joined by opportunistic guests like grey herons, moorhens, and Egyptian geese.
Free-Flight Aviary: Wings Within Reach
Opened in 1993, the walk-in aviary features a light netted roof and naturalistic environments. Visitors stroll past cattle egrets, roseate spoonbills, and into the heart of the enclosure where Australian cockatiels and galahs, and African savanna birds roam freely. A wooden boardwalk even brings you face-to-face with wading birds like stone curlews and stilts.
Penguins in Tailcoats
Just behind the aviary lies the African penguin enclosure, home to heat-loving, non-Arctic birds originally from South Africa’s temperate coast. Although hatched in European zoos, their breeding cycle follows the Southern Hemisphere’s rhythm—laying eggs in September instead of spring.
Damascene Hall & Long Lake
Once home to King Wilhelm I’s pheasants, Damascene Hall now showcases diverse birdlife from across the globe: North American cardinals, Southeast Asian jays, and European natives like the hoopoe and corncrake. Outside, the Long Lake hosts graceful great white pelicans, gliding over the water with wingspans reaching 3.6 meters.
The Meadow of Cranes
The wading bird meadows are home to majestic crowned cranes, paradise cranes, and red-crowned cranes, many of which are part of Wilhelma’s breeding programs. Their elaborate courtship dances and lifelong pair bonds offer a captivating spectacle during mating season.
Australia on Two Legs
Behind the aviary, visitors meet emus, towering flightless birds that can sprint up to 50 km/h, thanks to their powerful leg muscles. Sharing their enclosure are barnacle geese, who prefer walking to swimming and are built for agility on land.