Waldkirch is home to the Black-Forest Zoo, a zoological garden where wild and domesticated animals are exhibited to the public.

     Over time, the mission of the zoo has shifted from displaying animals, to breeding them, and so maintaining populations of endangered animals. An endangered animal is one whose population is so small that it is in danger of becoming extinct. A listing as an endangered species can backfire, as it makes it more desirable for collectors. Waldkirch zoo keeps animals in an environment that replicates their natural habitat. The Waldkirch zoo has a combination of domestic animals and some wild species that are docile enough to touch and feed. The zoo is very popular with small children. In order to ensure the animals' health, food is supplied by the zoo itself, either from vending machines in the park or at the kiosk at the entrance.