Zoo Zürich: Pea-Based Bratwurst Now Available – Plus Live Penguin Stream
Let me paint you a picture: you're at Zoo Zürich, the sun is shining, the kids are laughing, and the smell from the grill hut is pulling you in. But it doesn't smell quite like it used to. Not worse – just different. Because Zoo Zürich has reimagined its legendary zoo bratwurst on a veggie basis. The result is a pea sausage, made from 50% pork and 50% peas. And as a long-time zoo fan, let me tell you: this isn't about missing out, it's an upgrade. Juicy, flavoursome, and the carbon footprint is smaller than my pocket after a visit to the Masoala Hall restaurant.
Where cervelat once sizzled, peas now pop
An insider from the zoo kitchen told me: they tinkered for months to get the texture just right. No longer crumbly like most veggie sausages – it's got bite. The climate sausage – that's its official name – is the result of a partnership with local farmers from eastern Switzerland. They now supply green peas that previously had nothing to do with a grill stand on the Zürichberg. Dieci allo zoo Zürich, the famous ten-pack, is now much more climate-friendly. And you won't notice it in the taste – only in your clear conscience.
So what exactly has changed? Have a look:
- Meat sausage 2.0: Half pork from a regional organic farm, half peas. Same price, less guilt.
- Pure veggie sausage: Pea-based, with a smoky, paprika flavour. For those who want to go completely animal-free.
- What stays the same: The rösti, the salad, and the Zürich-style carrot cake. Those are sacred.
- New on the menu: A penguin live stream from the Antarctic hall – it's like having your own National Geographic live feed.
Penguin TV: feeding, courting and egg incubation – 24/7
Now, about the penguins. Zoo Zürich has released a brand new documentary – not in cinemas, but online. Around the clock, you can watch the king penguins waddle through their man-made Antarctica, preen their feathers or look after their chicks. No commentary, no music, just the quiet presence of the birds. Trust me: this is perfect for a peaceful moment in the afternoon when the kids are in bed. Or to show the little ones how a penguin keeps its egg warm. The zoo isn't saying it outright, but I think they just want more people to fall in love with these animals. And it works. Because when you see a penguin dad rolling his egg between his feet – you'll go soft.
Behind the scenes, a high-tech installation runs at minus twelve degrees, with snow machines and a pool that makes you almost forget the Zürichberg is only a few kilometres away. A former staff member told me the penguins themselves don't care one bit about the climate sausage debate – they're just happy with the fresh North Sea fish. But for us humans, it feels good: we can support the zoo without standing at the sausage stand with a guilty conscience.
A change you don't have to force yourself to like
Look, I've experienced Zoo Zürich in every season. From the old site on Bederstrasse to today's modern animal park with the Masoala Hall. And I've never seen a change roll out as smoothly as this sausage thing. The zoo doesn't push anything on you. You can still have your old sausage – but it'll taste different because there's less meat in it. Or you can try the pea version. My tip: go for the climate sausage, slap a good spoonful of mustard on it, and you won't taste the difference. Promise.
It's like so many things in life: the best ideas are the ones you don't notice. The zoo isn't making a big song and dance about its sustainability. They're just doing what was long overdue behind the scenes. The new sausages are local, better for the climate and cheaper to produce – and the money saved goes straight back into animal care. So a win for everyone. Head over on Sunday, enjoy a dieci allo zoo Zürich in your hand, and then watch the penguins go about their business. This is Zürich the way we love it.