Farewell at Leipzig Zoo: Junhold hands over to the new president!

Farewell at Leipzig Zoo: Junhold hands over to the new president!

On June 22, 2025 it was the day of farewell: Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold has resigned from his position as chairman of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) after six years. He handed over the responsibility to Dr. Dag Encke, the director of the Nuremberg Zoo. Junhold's term in office was anything but a walk, peppered with challenges such as the corona pandemic and the far-reaching effects of the Ukraine war. With great commitment, he strengthened the VdZ's important role as a service center for over 70 member institutions and significantly increased its visibility in Berlin's political landscape. Leipzig Zoo reports that Junhold also reformed the VdZ-affiliated Species Protection Foundation during his term in office.

His foam points were always aimed at the sustainable optimization of the association's work. This includes, among other things, new working structures for species protection, research and public relations. Junhold initiated a public zoo and wildlife forum, launched as part of the association's annual meeting, which gave the industry a voice while zoo doors remained closed. At the annual meeting, further priorities were set, such as increasing public visibility, more training opportunities and expanding social acceptance. Despite his resignation, he will remain on the VdZ board for the next three years and was elected treasurer of the European Zoo Association EAZA.

Strengthening nature and species protection

There is a lot of exciting news in the world of nature and species conservation. A notable project is the planned “Frankfurt Conservation Center” (FCC), which is to be built on the grounds of the Frankfurt Zoo. The magistrate has already given the green light for construction. The aim of this initiative, which dates back to November 13, 2020, is international nature and species protection, which is intended to significantly improve the future viability of the zoo. The FCC will be constructed at the zoo's east entrance, replacing older buildings. Dr. Ina Hartwig, head of the culture and science department, got the project rolling. Zoo Frankfurt reports that the project is part of an ambitious three-pillar plan, which also includes the establishment of a children's and youth theater as well as comprehensive zoo development as part of ZOOKUNFT2030+.

The FCC will promote collaboration between actors from nature conservation, practice and science and is intended to develop options for action to combat the dramatic decline in biodiversity. Partners such as the Frankfurt Zoological Society (ZGF), the Senckenberg Society for Natural Research and the Goethe University will work closely together. With costs of 20 to 22 million euros, around half of which are borne by the FZS and partners, it shows that serious investments are being made in the future.

Key roles of zoos in species conservation

Zoos play a crucial role in the field of nature conservation. The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) highlights the importance of botanical gardens, aquariums and zoos in the conservation of wild animals, plants and fungi. They serve as an interface between ex-situ and in-situ conservation and are involved in areas such as applied genetics, behavioral science, veterinary medicine and education. VDZ.de notes that the SSC is calling for greater public participation in these tasks and calls on the actors to actively cooperate. This commitment is also reflected in the development of strategies to protect biodiversity and in providing society with access to nature experiences.

With personalities like Junhold at the top and projects like the FCC in Frankfurt, the Association of Zoological Gardens is committed to ensuring that nature conservation becomes more important not only in specialist circles, but also among the general public. The commitment and partnerships in this area promise exciting progress towards protecting our valuable flora and fauna.