Dresden Zoo in need of money: 500,000 euros are missing to save it!

Dresden Zoo in need of money: 500,000 euros are missing to save it!

In the heart of Dresden, the zoo is struggling with financial difficulties that are alarming. The zoo is currently reporting a deficit of 500,000 euros, and the situation could even get worse. The main causes are the rising costs of energy, staff and feed as well as a dramatic decline in the number of visitors. Loud MDR The zoo only recorded 134,000 visitors by the end of June 2025, instead of the expected 160,000. This decline results in a loss of 500,000 euros in revenue.

Although the zoo receives around 2.6 million euros in subsidies from the city every year, the financial situation remains tense. This year, an additional million euros are available for investments and repayment of the loan for the new orangutan house. Nevertheless, a need for compensation of over 700,000 euros is expected in the coming months, as costs have risen sharply since the corona pandemic and the Ukrainian war, reports Day 24.

Urgent need for action

Zoo managing director Karl-Heinz Ukena has asked the city for support to overcome the current financial difficulties. He emphasizes that rising admission prices should be avoided in order not to further deter visitors. Instead, the city relies on additional revenue from concession fees to cover the additional costs.

Ukena is also required to develop savings proposals, as the possibilities for savings in the zoo have almost been exhausted. Current investments are being put to the test and could be shelved. Regardless, the animals are excluded from the savings measures and giving them away for financial reasons is considered taboo. The costs of keeping animals, such as koalas, which cost between 1,500 and 2,000 euros per month, are high, but selling them is “not up for debate” for Ukena.

A look into the future

Concerns about financial stability are not new. The zoo expects further losses of around 200,000 euros per year for 2026 and the following years. In order to improve the situation, the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of other buildings is being considered. There is also discussion about possibly increasing admission prices in order to be able to do better business in the future.

Amid these challenges, the zoo remains an important leisure activity in Germany, especially for families with children. How Statista According to reports, zoos and animal parks attract around 20 million visitors every year. They not only offer animal enclosures, but also botanical gardens, playgrounds and learning opportunities. Despite the financial concerns, the zoo remains in tune with the times and has made a name for itself as an educational institution for the preservation of biodiversity.

An Advent calendar is currently being sold to support the zoo. For just 10 euros you can purchase 4,000 calendars that are giving away exclusive experiences. The tireless commitment of the zoo and its employees shows that even in difficult times they are looking for creative solutions so that the zoo remains a place for joy and education in the future.