What Walter Zoo does

Walter Zoo AG Gossau is a scientifically managed zoological park in Gossau, Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 1961 by Walter and Edith Pischl as a traveling school animal show and converted to a permanent zoo after relocation from Hundwil AR. The company is registered as Walter Zoo AG Gossau (HR CH-320.3.050.108-7), was incorporated as a stock corporation in 2001, and converted to a non-profit oriented Aktiengesellschaft (gemeinnützige AG) in 2007. It houses over 1,000 animals of more than 100 species across enclosures opened progressively from 1973 (monkey house) through 2023 (Flying Classroom), with a stated Masterplan 2040 guiding further capital projects. The zoo operates 365 days per year and is a member of WAZA, EAZA (since 1997), VdZ, zooschweiz (since 2012), IUCN, and WZS.

The core product is general zoo admission, priced per category, with annual passes (subscription) and free admission for accompanied children under 15 in July 2026. Revenue is diversified across admissions, annual passes, premium behind-the-scenes 'Rendez-vous mit dem Lieblingstier' experiences (CHF 119–199 across three tiers), guided tours and animal encounters, children's birthday parties, overnight 'Nachtschwärmer' tipi camping, seminars and corporate events (CHF 500–750/day plus catering), gastronomy including Sunday brunch, a traditional Tingel-Tangel Varieté theater, and the Family Festival. Supporting lines include the Zooschule (zoo school), Wildlife Care Stations (hedgehog care at the zoo since 2020 and wild bird care at Naturmuseum St. Gallen since 2020), and a Nature Trail. All online ticketing, vouchers, and event bookings run on the E-Guma platform; back-office runs on Abacus ERP.

Customers are segmented across families with children (primary), schools and educational institutions, corporate and business groups, tourists and day trippers (including rail-bundled visitors via SBB/Regiobus), and local community members. The customer base is distributed: high-volume walk-in admissions and annual passes anchor revenue, supplemented by institutional funding — annual location contributions from the City of Gossau since 2006, lottery funding from Kanton St. Gallen, main sponsorship by St.Galler Kantonalbank since 2015, and ongoing support from the Gönnerverein Walter Zoo (founded 1963). Distribution is through the physical zoo, the E-Guma online shop, Zooschule on-site delivery, direct sales for corporate events and seminars, and reseller/affiliate partnerships with Schweiz Tourismus, St.Gallen Bodensee Tourismus, and RailAway.

Name

Walter Zoo

Legal name

Walter Zoo AG Gossau

Website

https://walterzoo.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Walter Zoo is a family-owned, non-profit oriented zoological park in Gossau, Switzerland, founded in 1961, housing over 1,000 animals across 100+ species and serving families, schools, corporate clients, and tourists through admissions, premium experiences, education, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching Tours (THAAAEAB), Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG)

Keywords

• Zoological park operations
• Wildlife conservation programs
• Educational zoo programs
• Wildlife rehabilitation services
• Corporate event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Gossau

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Zoo Admissions: Revenue from daily admission tickets, with special pricing for children, adults, families, and groups. Children under 15 receive free entry in July 2026 when accompanied by a paying adult.
2. Annual Passes: Annual membership cards offering unlimited zoo access with discounts on events and experiences.
3. E-Commerce (Gift Vouchers & Tickets): Online sales through E-Guma platform for gift vouchers, experience bookings (Rendez-vous, birthday parties), and special event tickets.
4. Gastronomy: On-site restaurant and catering services including Zoobrunch, events, seminars, and corporate banquets.
5. Educational Programs: Zooschule programs for schools including workshops, tours, and animal presentations. Additional revenue from observation experiences and animal encounters.
6. Donations & Sponsorships: Support through direct donations, animal sponsorships, supporter association memberships (Gönnerverein), and corporate sponsors.
7. Corporate Events & Seminars: Rental of seminar rooms and event spaces for corporate clients, including team events, seminars, and banquets.
8. Government Support: Annual location contribution from Stadt Gossau since 2006; support from Kanton St. Gallen Lotteriefonds.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Walter Zoo operates a scientific zoological park in Gossau, Switzerland, providing general admission to over 1,000 animals across 100+ species, supplemented by paid experiences including guided tours, premium "Rendez-vous" behind-the-scenes animal encounters, children's birthday parties, overnight camping, theater and variety shows, and corporate seminars and banquets. The zoo also operates educational programs through its Zooschule (zoo school), wildlife rehabilitation stations for hedgehogs and wild birds, a nature trail, and an animal sponsorship program.

Product overview

Walter Zoo is a scientifically-managed zoological park operating as a single unified attraction with multiple integrated visitor experiences and educational services. The core offering is general zoo admission providing access to approximately 1,000 animals across 100 species. This is supplemented by paid add-on experiences including: guided tours, animal encounters, and the 'Rendez-vous mit dem Lieblingstier' behind-the-scenes program; event venues for seminars, aperitifs, and banquets; children's birthday parties; overnight camping experiences; and educational zoo school programs. Supporting conservation services include wildlife care stations for hedgehogs and wild birds, plus a nature trail. The zoo also operates a traditional variety theater (Tingel-Tangel Varieté), Sunday brunch dining, and hosts an annual Family Festival. Animal sponsorship and donation programs provide additional support mechanisms. All paid experiences and admissions are processed through the E-Guma ticketing platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tingel-Tangel Varieté: Traditional variety theater operating since the early years of the zoo, offering seasonal performances.
• Zootheater
• Zooschule
• Wildtierpflegestationen

Products and services

• Zoo-Eintritt (General Admission) Standard admission tickets to Walter Zoo providing access to all animal exhibits, enclosures, and public areas during operating hours to families and individual visitors.
• Zoobrunch Sunday brunch experience in the zoo restaurant with tropical house views, providing food and animal encounters as a Sunday outing for families and visitors.
• Zootheater Theater performances in the zoo's theater venue, including productions like 'Chaos im Zauberwald', suitable for families and young children.
• Tingel-Tangel Varieté Traditional variety show performing at Walter Zoo, with the 2026/2027 season featuring a 'SeitenSprung' (sideshow) theme.
• Tierpatenschaften (Animal Sponsorship) Symbolic adoption program allowing supporters to sponsor specific animals, contributing to animal welfare and conservation efforts at the zoo.
• Führungen und Vorträge (Guided Tours & Lectures) Guided zoo tours and animal presentations offering behind-the-scenes insights into zoo operations, animal care, and wildlife conservation topics for groups up to 25 persons.
• Tierbegegnung (Animal Encounters) Up-close animal experiences allowing visitors to see and sometimes touch animals normally confined to terrariums or enclosures, available in multiple zoo locations.
• Rendez-vous mit dem Lieblingstier Premium behind-the-scenes experience where guests assist animal keepers with feeding, care, and training of their chosen favorite animal, available in three tiers from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Kindergeburtstag (Children's Birthday Parties) Celebration packages for children's birthdays at the zoo, including zoo theater shows, pony or camel rides, animal feed bags, decorated adventure tables, and themed treats in two variants.
• Nachtschwärmer-Camp Overnight camping experience in tipis within the zoo, offering exclusive nighttime animal observations and encounters with nocturnal animals.
• Erlebnisposten (Experience Stations) Group activity combining presentations, guided tours, and animal encounters at various stations throughout the zoo, suitable for groups of 60+ persons.
• Zooschule (Zoo School) Educational programs and workshops for school classes providing extracurricular learning experiences about wildlife, conservation, and animal welfare.
• Seminare (Seminars) / Seminar Room Rental Seminar room rental in the zoo with views of the tiger enclosure, suitable for team building, customer events, training, and workshops for up to 70m2 space.
• Apéro & Bankett Catering events including cocktail receptions and banquets in unique zoo settings such as chimpanzee house, tiger cave, or zoo restaurant with tropical house views for up to 80 guests.
• Wildtierpflegestationen (Wildlife Care Stations) Wildlife rehabilitation services including hedgehog care station (Igelpflegestation) at the zoo and wild bird care station (Wildvogelpflegestation) at Naturmuseum St. Gallen, treating injured native wildlife for release.
• Naturlehrpfad (Nature Trail) Nature education trail on renaturated grounds featuring native plants, natural pond, and hedgerow forest edge, teaching visitors about local biodiversity and garden conservation.
• Family Festival Annual family festival featuring musical performances and workshops, scheduled for September 25-27, 2026 at Walter Zoo.
• Annual Pass Annual membership card offering unlimited zoo access with discounts on events and experiences, available through the E-Guma online platform.
• Autumn/Winter Corporate Event Package Seasonal corporate event package including aperitif, 'Animals at Night' guided tour, cheese fondue dinner, and room rental, running October 2026 to March 2027 from 18:00 to 22:00.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6,600 participants annually in guided tours
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• FairTradeTown GossauminorOthers · 1 May 2019City of Gossau certified as Fair Trade Town since May 2019, continuing commitment to fair trade and sustainability.
• zooschweizcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Umbrella organization of scientifically managed zoos in Switzerland with ten members. Annual financial commitment for biodiversity exceeds 21 million CHF. Joined 2012.
• EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997European zoo association representing over 400 institutions in 48 countries with 140 million visitors annually. Coordinates education, research, and conservation. Walter Zoo member since 1997.
• St.Galler Kantonalbank AGcoreOthersMain partner and sponsor since 2015. The bank demonstrates regional commitment and economic responsibility as a pillar of the St. Gallen financial community since 1868.
• RAMSEIER Suisse AGminorOthersSwiss beverage company producing traditional cider and fruit beverages from Swiss farm produce using traditional craftsmanship.
• Gönnerverein Walter ZoocoreOthersSupporter association founded in 1963, supporting the zoo through research projects, renovations, and new constructions with dedication and passion.
• Globi KinderkrippenminorOthersChildcare facilities founded in 2007 in St. Gallen, promoting work-family balance with professional, high-quality holistic childcare.
• Ria & Arthur Dietschweiler StiftungminorOthersFoundation promoting pioneering projects in education, culture, and social causes in the Eastern Switzerland region. Special consideration for ventures with experimental character.
• RailAwayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading leisure provider for day and multi-day excursions with added services in Switzerland, serving individual travelers and groups. Headquartered in Lucerne.
• Schweiz TourismusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational tourism marketing organization with headquarters in Zurich, approximately 240 employees, and presence in 27 countries. Operates Switzerland travel portal MySwitzerland.com.
• St.Gallen Bodensee TourismusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional tourism organization promoting projects and measures to enhance the reputation and attractiveness of the St. Gallen-Lake Constance economic region.
• St.Galler TagblattminorOthersRegional news outlet providing background coverage and stories from Eastern Switzerland and the world, available around the clock.
• Luftseilbahn Jakobsbad-KronbergminorOthersCable car to Kronberg at 1,163 meters altitude, offering hiking opportunities in summer and the longest toboggan run in Eastern Switzerland in winter.
• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest environmental network with over 1,400 member organizations and 17,000 experts. Promotes conservation through science, best practices, and international standards since 1948.
• WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational umbrella association of 400 leading zoos and aquariums worldwide. Walter Zoo is an Institutional Member. Joined 2022.
• VdZ (Verband der Zoologischen Gärten)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading association of scientifically managed zoos in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain. Supports nature and species conservation, education, and research in zoos.
• WZS (Verein Wildparks und Zoos der Schweiz)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation for information exchange and experience sharing, animal and nature conservation, promoting cooperation among Swiss zoos and wildlife parks.
• E-Guma (Idea Creation GmbH)coreTechnology or IntegrationTicketing and gift voucher platform provider. E-Guma processes ticket sales, gift voucher purchases, and event bookings for Walter Zoo online shop.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Zoologischer Stadtgarten Karlsruhe: German VdZ-member zoo with a comparable mid-sized, scientifically-managed profile and similar mix of family attractions, education, and conservation. Comparable in regulatory and accreditation framework as a larger European reference point.

Direct peers

• Zoo Basel: Another Swiss WAZA/EAZA/VdZ/zooschweiz member with an extensive species collection, conservation programs, and educational offerings. Direct peer in category, membership structure, and visitor proposition.
• Knies Kinderzoo: Swiss family-owned zoo in Rapperswil combining a traditional circus family heritage with modern zoo operations. Comparable in family ownership model and entertainment-focused positioning, though smaller in scope.
• Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium Lausanne: Swiss aquarium focusing on freshwater ecosystems, education, and immersive visitor experiences. Comparable as a member of the Swiss scientifically-managed zoo ecosystem with overlapping educational and conservation mission.
• Zoo La Garenne: Smaller Swiss zoological park in Vaud, also a zooschweiz member focused on European wildlife and education. Closely comparable size and family-day-trip proposition to Walter Zoo.
• Tierpark Dählhölzli Bern: Bern's municipal zoo and zooschweiz member offering comparable family-focused animal exhibits, education programs, and conservation activities. Comparable as a mid-sized Swiss scientific zoo in a similar regulatory and membership ecosystem.
• Zoo Zürich: Switzerland's largest and most-visited zoo, also a member of WAZA, EAZA, VdZ, and zooschweiz. Directly comparable as a scientifically-managed zoological park offering similar admissions, education, conservation, and corporate event programs, though at materially larger scale.
• Zoo de Servion: Family-run Swiss zoo in Vaud with a similar orientation toward family visitors, conservation messaging, and educational entertainment. Comparable scale and direct-to-consumer model.

Regional players

• Wildpark Peter und Paul: Wildlife park in St. Gallen region focused on native European species. Geographically closest direct competitor to Walter Zoo, though it operates a free-entry, walker-only model rather than a ticketed zoo.
• Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse: French zoo near the Swiss border with a similar mid-sized footprint, scientific management, and family-oriented visitor proposition. Comparable in scale and offerings but operating in a different national market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCM7BlM9kAbvHuyuVJjSdvyA
• Facebookfacebook.com/walterzoo.ch
• Instagraminstagram.com/walterzoo/?hl=de
• Xx.com/walterzoo_ch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/walterzoo

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Walter Zoo