Leipzig's zoo of the future: 25 years of progress and exciting projects!

Leipzig's zoo of the future: 25 years of progress and exciting projects!

Leipzig, Deutschland - The Leipzig zoo celebrates a remarkable anniversary these days. In 2000, the master plan "Zoo of the Future" was decided, and now the site looks back on over 24 years of successful implementation. The zoo is now considered one of the most modern zoos in the 21st century, a status that is due to the numerous innovations and extensive renovations of the past two decades. Zoo Director Prof. Jörg Junhold proudly announces how important this zoological garden is for species protection and urban development, and the potential that he harbors for the Leipzig region is clearly emphasized.

A panel discussion in which Leipzig's mayor Burkhard Jung, the former Mayor Wolfgang Tiefensee and Prof. Junhold took part, highlighted the progress and challenges of recent years. Burkhard Jung has been accompanying the transformation of the zoo since 2006, while Wolfgang Tiefensee steals the initiative process of the master plan. The plan is implemented by an interdisciplinary team of zoo employees and external experts who jointly set the framework conditions and goals. Important aspects include the species -appropriate enclosure design, professional animal husbandry, visitor prospects as well as knowledge transfer and affordability.

success and challenges

The Lion Veau and Pongoland, which were implemented from 2001 to 2004, were one of the first major projects, followed by the Gondwanaland tropical experience. These developments were among the central milestones as part of the master plan. Nevertheless, the zoo had to master considerable challenges during the Corona pandemic. The closures led to delays in the planned projects, including the renovation of the terrarium and the large -scale construction site for sea lions and penguins, the degree of which will be targeted for the next few years.

A total of around 41 million visitors visited the zoo of the future, and over 650 animal species now live in the newly designed habitats. So far, over 245 million euros have been invested in the transformation of the zoo, with the aim of completing the complete implementation of the master plan until the 150th birthday in 2028

Current developments

Prof. Junhold also gives an outlook on future projects, including the construction of the Wasserwelt Tierra del Fuego. The construction work on the Asian island worlds has just started, and the renovation of the terrarium is to be completed in the coming year. The zoo also plans to celebrate numerous events to celebrate the anniversary year, including the "magical tropical lights" as well as other events such as the Benefizkinderfest K! DZ and the historic street artist festival.

With a view to the number of visitors, the zoo decided to adapt the admission prices. From March 21, 2025, the prices for adults and children increase by 1 euro, while family day tickets increase by 4 euros. The increasing costs that make these price increases necessary were communicated transparently by the zoo management.

One of the new residents of the zoo is a saprack tapir breeding pair. Males nuang and females Nessa have recently moved in from Copenhagen or the Chester Zoo. A new pair of breeding was also created for the mane wolves, with the two animals come from various European zoo. Overall, the zoo strives to build on earlier breeding successes and thus further promote the animal legacy and the protection of species.