The zoo was founded and managed by two women, who owned a large collection of primates. It was opened in 1963 and has 900 animals in 150 species on 32 ha, of which the great part contains monkees. Lately the zoo is extending to other species aswell, such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras and recently there is a large area built for the Amurpanthers and Snowleopards.

Some os the buildings are outdated, but on the other hand others are quite new and well designed.