About us
More than 40 years the zoo Gettorf is run as a family business which now is run in the third generation. It all began as a private hobby on the site of a former gravel pit. Karl-Heinz Bumann, passionate farmer who ran a successful transport company after WW II, seized the opportunity to realize a long-held desire and established a small private animal park. Game- and waterfowl, sheep, goats and some deer were the first inhabitants of the zoo. Over time, the number of animals and species kept grew and gradually also the first exotic animals came to Gettorf.
In May 1968, Karl-Heinz Bumann decided to open his park for visitors on a regular basis. At this time, the local zoo, showing mostly indigenous animal with some exotic sprinklings turned into the famous monkey park, as this group since then still shapes the image of the zoo. The conversion of the former pheasant house into the monkey house was the first step in this direction. Today you can see at Gettorf numerous monkey families from the squirrelsized Emperor Tamarin to the mighty chimpanzees.
Gradually the collection was expanded and new houses were built. In the 70s, the tropical bird hall was constructed, the zoo cafe arose, first as a bungalow with roof terrace. At the beginning of the 80s, the second large warmhouse was built, which is now the paradise hall.
With the time the animal population in Gettorf turned even more exotic. In addition to monkeys and tropical birds zebras, antelopes, flamingos, rheas or tapirs could be observed. To date, the children of the founder lead the privately owned zoo in the second generation with the intention to bring visitors close to a particularly diverse exotic wildlife amidst landscaped grounds. With the entry of Jörg Bumann into the zoo management at the beginning of 2014, the 3rd generation is already represented in the zoo.
By now about 10 trained keepers care for the diverse and demanding stock of the park, supported by our trainees and laborers. Two gardeners take care of the extensive gardens, three craftsmen ensure that all technical systems are running smoothly and the ladies at the cash box provide for the smooth dispatch even on highly frequented days. Three biologists manage the animal population, take care of the zoo school and perform public feedings and children’s birthday parties together with our team of zoo guides.