Tierpark Lange Erlen, Basel

Basel Zoo has been recognized as a world class zoo for many decades. Visitors to Basel may not be so familiar with another animal collection in the city, Tierpark Lange Erlen, entrance to which is free. Located within easy walking distance from the German Railway Station easily accessed by tram from the Central Station, this one of the most beautiful parks I have ever visited and well worth a visit by those interested in deer. When I visited the collection in August there were 9 species on view: Axis, Barasingha, Dybowski’s, Fallow (separate groups of white, black and menil), European Roe, Sambar (easily missed because they are located near an entrance), Virginian, European Red and Wapiti. An excellent book (in German) about the deer in the collection also lists Sika deer (subspecies not stated) . In addition to deer the collection includes wild boar, capuchin monkeys and a number of domestic species. Birds include owls, black swans, storks, Saurus cranes, pheasants and others. The park is particularly tranquil in the morning and gets somewhat busier in the afternoons when refreshment facilities are usually available. Donation boxes are available for those who might wish to contribute to the considerable cost of the upkeep of the park.