der Zoo, -s

The German word "Zoo" is a noun and means "zoological garden" or simply "zoo" in English.

• It comes directly from the Greek root "zoo-" meaning "animal" (from "zoion" = animal).
• Unlike many German compound words, "Zoo" is a borrowed and shortened form from "zoologischer Garten" (zoological garden).

Similar words:

• Tierpark (animal park)
• Wildpark (wildlife park)
• Wildgehege (game reserve)

Differences:

• Zoo generally denotes a more formal, often larger institution with various animal species, often in enclosures focused on education and conservation.
• Tierpark and Wildpark often emphasize more naturalistic, open enclosures and may focus on regional or native species.
• Wildgehege is usually a fenced area mainly for wildlife observation and less public-facing than a zoo.