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 Zoo is celebrating a remarkable anniversary these days. The “Zoo of the Future” master plan was approved in 2000, and the site can now look back on over 24 years of successful implementation. The zoo is now considered one of the most modern zoos of the 21st century, a status that is due to the numerous innovations and extensive renovations of the last two decades. Zoo director Prof. Jörg Junhold proudly announces how important this zoological garden is for species protection and urban development, and the potential it holds 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 the last few years. Burkhard Jung has been accompanying the transformation of the zoo since 2006, while Wolfgang Tiefensee initiated the master plan initiative process. 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 species-appropriate enclosure design, professional animal husbandry, visitor perspectives as well as knowledge transfer and financial viability.

Successes and challenges

The first major projects included the lion savanna and Pongoland, which were implemented between 2001 and 2004, followed by the Gondwanaland tropical adventure world. These developments were among the key milestones within the master plan. Nevertheless, the zoo had to overcome significant challenges during the corona pandemic. The closures led to delays in planned projects, including the renovation of the terrarium and the major Tierra del Fuego construction site for sea lions and penguins, which are scheduled to be completed in the next few years.

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

Current developments

Prof. Junhold also gives an outlook on future projects, including the construction of the Tierra del Fuego water world. Construction work on the Asian island world has just begun, and the renovation of the terrarium is scheduled to be completed next year. The zoo is also planning numerous events to properly celebrate the anniversary year, including the “Magic Tropical Lights” as well as other events such as the K!DZ charity children's festival and the historic street artist festival at Pentecost.

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

The zoo's new residents include a breeding pair of black-backed tapirs. Male Nuang and female Nessa recently moved in from Copenhagen and Chester Zoo respectively. A new breeding pair was also created for the maned wolves, with the two animals coming from various European zoos. Overall, the zoo aims to build on previous breeding successes and thus further advance animal heritage and species protection.

In summary, it can be said that Leipzig Zoo is not only an important place for leisure activities, but also an important center for species protection and education. As leipziginfo.de reports, the next few years will be dominated by the successful implementation of the master plan and the further strengthening of the zoo's sustainable development.