Free entry for children: State Zoo Day delights families in MV!

Free entry for children: State Zoo Day delights families in MV!

On August 12, 2025, a very special day is on the agenda in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: State Zoo Day. On this day, children up to 14 years of age have free entry to 16 zoos. This campaign is primarily intended to attract families and give them the opportunity to learn more about animals and their habitats. As n-tv.de reports, the ceremonial opening of the zoo day is taking place in Wismar and many exciting activities are planned, from show feeding to participation offers for the little ones.

The participants are diverse and spread across the country: from the Rostock Zoo with its seal quiz to the Marlow Bird Park, which offers special children's tours on the topic of species protection - there is something for everyone. Visitors to Neustrelitz Zoo can also learn more about the important role of bees. State Zoo Day is accompanied by a wide range of activities throughout the state. In Güstrow, for example, children can catch small animals with landing nets and look at them under a microscope.Great fun for the whole family!

The variety of offers

The State Zoo Day program is rich and informative. A discovery tour on the green roof is offered at the Müritzeum animal and species conservation facility in Waren. The German Maritime Museum in Stralsund has also come up with something special: family rallies and penguin visits to the Oceaneum are on the agenda here. An information mobile with surprise boxes about sustainability will be presented at Rostock Zoo and christenings for the sweet Kunekune pigs will be held at Grimmen Zoo.

The country's involvement in Zoo Day cannot be overlooked: this event has been supported for 15 years and the early entry free entry for children is also a great success. Around 190,000 euros in financial support are provided annually to promote the facilities. Every year around three million people visit the zoological facilities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - a true success story for the local zoo and animal park landscape.

The role of zoos

A central aspect of the State Zoo Day is awareness of species protection. As statista.com also highlights, the zoos are actively involved in conservation breeding programs for 115 endangered animal species. In total, around 37,000 animals are under special care in the country's zoological facilities. In Germany, zoos and animal parks have achieved high visitor numbers in recent years, despite the challenges posed by the corona pandemic.

One point that is up for discussion on this occasion is the issue of animal husbandry. Experts emphasize that killing zoo animals to feed carnivores is in line with the natural diet of wild animals. Zoos also receive animals that come from private keeping and try to integrate them responsibly into breeding programs.

At a time when animal protection is becoming more and more important, zoos are trying to adapt to social discourse. They respond to criticism of animal husbandry and strive to provide better housing in a species-appropriate manner, while at the same time acting as educational centers on the importance of biodiversity. The State Zoo Day is a nice way to point out these aspects and raise awareness of animal protection.