The Cologne Aquarium: a modern-style Noah's Ark
The entrance to the Aquarium Köln is inconspicuous. There are numerous dark passages to explore here. The building is opposite the Cologne Zoo, which is always crowded with visitors. In the Cologne Aquarium there are fish, crawling animals and also flying creatures. The species in the aquarium are very diverse and numerous. The head of the aquarium is called Dr. Thomas Ziegler. He reports that there are more than 490 different animal species to see here. Ziegler also likes to call the aquarium Noah's Ark in modern.
Extremely many types of fish
There are about 70 aquariums in the aquaristic show area. More than 200 different species of fish cavort in these. In addition, around 5,000 animal specimens can be admired. In addition, visitors can see more than 70 species of invertebrates. Around 2,000 invertebrates live in the aquarium.
The aquariums are laid out differently: you can see the course of the Rhine and coral reefs of the Indian Pacific. These shimmer particularly brightly in different shiny colors. When you step into the Cologne Aquarium, it seems almost mystical to enter the dark corridors. Water worlds open up here that seem mysterious. One could almost dream and assume mermaids among the fish.
The design of the cymbals was designed and processed as realistically as possible. The fish should feel as comfortable as possible. Children are particularly enthusiastic about the Cologne Aquarium. They often flatten their noses against the iridescent, buten discs. There are astonished faces in the large aquarium. This holds a whopping 20,000 liters of water. Here is the Lake Tanyanika basin where one can admire the diversity of species of the Rift Valley of East Africa.
There are there are 100 other tanks in the Cologne Aquarium. They are hidden behind the amazed eyes of visitors. These tanks are dedicated to breeding fish. according to dr Ziegler this is also a must that is absolutely necessary. The professor is 49 years old and comes from Bonn. He muses: "Unfortunately, biodiversity is under severe threat. This is unique, but is severely threatened by the loss of habitats in the wild and there is poaching".
animal species threatened with extinction
This leads to animal species becoming extinct. This is so strong that they became extinct before any scientist had ever identified them. Extinction often happens quietly. dr Ziegler would therefore like to initiate various breeding programs. The Bonn native is also responsible for countermeasures such as protective programs.
More than 500,000 animals: the Cologne Aquarium offers fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles of all kinds
The visit is worth seeing for the whole family and takes you into the mysterious, dazzling underwater world. This is a different kind of experience and more than worth a visit! Over half of the animal species in the aquarium here are on the IUCN list. The exact wording is: International Union for Conservation of Nature. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature is very important!
This IUCN publishes the Red List of Threatened Species. The World Commission on Protected Areas, together with IUCN, is responsible for categorizing these areas. 20 percent of the animal species in the Cologne Aquarium are endangered and have a corresponding status. Sadly, some of the animal species in the aquarium are now extinct in the wild.
The longfin finfish, which swims in freshwater with happy fins, unfortunately no longer exists in nature. More than 30 swim in the Cologne Aquarium that are on the list of a species protection agreement of protected species. These extinct species have found a species-appropriate home in the cathedral city and its aquarium.
Sea creatures aren't the only creatures that swim in the aquarium in Cologne. There is much more to see besides the lake dwellers and river dwellers. There is a terrarium area here that creates a jungle feeling. The range includes 85 reptile species and 52 insect species. In addition, you can admire 37 different species of amphibians. When entering the area, you will hear hissing and chirping.
Dr. Ziegler cherishes and cares for his protégés. There are 51 terrariums in this area. The professor is passionate about protecting the animal species. He has a team of twelve behind him who help him protect and also save animal species. Species identification is also one of their tasks. The team always manages to look back on breeding successes.
In all, there are 509,788 different animal specimens here. 500,000 ant insects have made themselves comfortable in the aquarium.
An overview
It's really busy and there are still:
- 284 lizards
- 108 Turtles
- 67 snakes
- 33 amphibians
- 23 Crocodiles
Among the crocodiles Philippine crocodiles cavort. These are among the most endangered crocodile species. Three animal specimens have already been named after Thomas Ziegler!
Professor with vision
Dr. Thomas Ziegler is known far and wide as an expert. He also works for customs, because holidaymakers keep bringing exotic items home with them. Here he has to identify the illegally imported animals. Unfortunately, animals are kept illegally from time to time. His project, which is located in Vietnam and Laos, is very important to him. Here he works with a partner from Vietnam, Dr. Truong Quang Nguyen, together. He has also been involved here since 1999. He is actively involved in biodiversity research. The nature conservation of Southeast Asia is also close to his heart.
The discovery of new animal species is not the only priority. The ecology is also researched and protection programs are provided. The natural habitat should be largely preserved. Helping people to help themselves is very important. Various stations are set up or expanded. These serve the animals that are confiscated. Keeping is important, as well as research or offspring, says the director of the Cologne Aquarium.
In northern Vietnam is the Melinh Biodiversity Station. The professor travels to Vietnam with his team at regular intervals. More than 100 vertebrates were discovered in this way. These were researched and species protection programs were created.
The crocodile lizard is critically endangered and Melinh Station has a breeding program in place. The gecko species "Cnemaspis psychedelica" is also threatened in southern Vietnam. There is also a protection program for this species. Endangered species of reptiles and amphibians are researched and bred.
There is much more than entertainment at the Cologne Aquarium
The Zoo is scientifically run and therefore there are many tasks to complete. The Aquarium is known for fun, entertainment and relaxation. But there is also education here and edutainment is very important. Education and Entertainment: Education and entertainment are interwoven.
The extinction of species is a serious problem. In the Cologne Aquarium there are species protection programs and nature initiatives that are unique in the world. The cathedral city is therefore a jewel in terms of species protection and one can rightly speak of Noah's Ark.
For visitors to the aquarium there is a range of diversity of animal species. In addition, awareness is created that should stick in the minds of the visitors. Humans have an important responsibility when it comes to nature! The magnificent creation must be preserved and Professor Dr. Thomas Ziegler actively helps scientifically.
Interesting "Long Night at the Cologne Aquarium"
On November 16, 2019, the "Long Night" will take place in the Aquarium in Cologne. All visitors are cordially invited to obtain information about the outstanding work. It offers itself on 16.11. a good opportunity to do so. In the Cologne Aquarium you can admire the colorful water world. The many animal species are a hodgepodge of bright colors. The coral reefs offer a kaleidoscope of color palette. The fish in the aquarium are a feast for the eyes. The visitor is taken into the mysterious underwater world.
On this day, special tours will also be held and excitement is guaranteed. There are handicrafts for children and readings are also on the programme. The physical well-being is taken care of and there are snacks. Adults can also enjoy colorful cocktails. These sometimes match the bright colors of the fish. An experience for the whole family!
The fish, crawling and reptiles can be viewed at an unusual time on November 16th. The light is dimmed and there are also special feedings. Employees provide important information and there is contact with the animals at information stands.
Special light magnifying glasses open the way to the realm of reptiles. Under the magnifying glass, the visitor encounters the microcosm of tiny aquatic animals. Research into these little creatures is scheduled for November 16th. nothing in the way! A treasure hunt can be carried out in a rummage box. Fossils or shark teeth are hidden inside.