Prof. Junhold takes stock: Zoos are on the move after his era!

Prof. Junhold takes stock: Zoos are on the move after his era!

Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, who has been president of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) and zoo director in Leipzig since 2019, handed over his office to Dr. Dag Encke, the director of the Nuremberg Zoo. After six years at the helm of the VdZ, Junhold can proudly look back on a term of office that was marked by important challenges and achievements. In particular, he emphasized the central role of zoos as nature and species conservation centers that not only contribute to the preservation of biodiversity but also fulfill educational and recreational functions.

During Junhold's term in office, the presidium of the VdZ made great efforts to increase the association's political visibility in Berlin. This led to greater involvement of zoo and wildlife experts in legislative developments. Under his leadership, the VdZ was established as a service center for over 70 members and new work structures were created for research, public relations and species protection. Junhold summarized that the zoos had been able to firmly anchor themselves in public perception, which is considered a significant success. According to thüeringen24.de, the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine led to additional challenges that had to be overcome during his term in office.

Sustainable changes in the VdZ

The reform of the VdZ-affiliated “Species Protection Foundation” represented another milestone. Under Junhold's leadership, modernizations were carried out aimed at improving both species protection and research standards. He will remain a member of the VdZ board for the next three years, which shows his commitment to the organization. In addition, Junhold was recently elected treasurer of the European Zoo Association EAZA, which is seen as recognition of his services to animal and species protection at the European level, as Volksstimme reports.

Junhold's successor, Dr. Dag Encke, is now taking on the challenges of managing the VdZ and representing the interests of zoos in Germany and Europe. The tasks that lie ahead of him are both complex and crucial for the future development of zoological institutions and species conservation as a whole.

For Prof. Dr. For Jörg Junhold, his experiences and achievements in the VdZ remain an important milestone in his career, and his commitment to species conservation will continue to be felt both at Leipzig Zoo and in the wider zoological community through his membership in the VdZ and through his role in EAZA.