Tierpark Hellabrunn, located on the Isar River about 6km (4 miles) south of the city center, is home to the Munich Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. Thousands of animals—many of them rare or endangered species—roam free in large enclosures, designed to replicate their natural habitats. Opened in 1911, Hellabrunn was one of the world’s first “geo-zoos,” which display animals in groups according to their geographical origins. A walk through the attractive park is recommended even if you’re not a zoo buff. There’s a big children’s zoo, as well as a large aviary.