Leipzig's Zoo: Big tropical adventure and new water world in sight!

Leipzig's Zoo: Big tropical adventure and new water world in sight!

Leipzig Zoo is considered one of the most modern zoos in Europe and has developed impressively in recent years. The large areas such as Pongoland, the Kiwara savannah and the elephant temple attract numerous animal lovers. However, the tropical experience of Gondwanaland, which zoo director Jörg Junhold, who has run the zoo for 25 years, describes as fulfilling, receives particular attention. Nevertheless, the construction of Gondwanaland was not without hurdles: difficulties with the shell builder and the effects of the global steel crisis in 2008 led to financial strains, and the costs for the roof construction increased by around 10 million euros.

Over the years, Junhold gained experience that taught him to critically sharpen his view of financial and technical implementation. The project had to be put out to public tender several times and ultimately pushed forward despite media criticism. The total costs for Gondwanaland amounted to around 68 million euros, with the city of Leipzig contributing around 15 million euros, the rest being financed through grants, donations and loans. Today Gondwanaland is very popular and is a central attraction in the zoo.

New water world in Tierra del Fuego

But Leipzig Zoo is not resting on its laurels. A new water world for penguins and sea lions is being created in the southern tip. This innovative facility will feature a walk-through underwater tunnel that will give visitors the feeling of being close to the action while diving. The shell construction is progressing quickly and is scheduled to be completed in summer 2025. The multi-purpose building, which houses technology and stables, will be completely closed by April 2025.

Today, zoo visitors can watch the construction progress from a platform, while the sea lions are already housed and training in the old seal tank. With other animal species such as Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, marine pelicans and pudus, the goal is to create natural habitats and offer unforgettable experiences.

Architecture with understanding

The architecture in the zoo plays a crucial role. An animal enclosure can be seen as a prison, providing protection for both animals and visitors. The design must therefore focus on the needs of everyone involved – animals, visitors and zookeepers. Zoos have a responsibility to promote environmental diversity and education. The construction of tropical halls is particularly challenging in Central Europe, as different climate zones have to be taken into account.

The discussion about the focus on exotic animals versus native wildlife is becoming louder and louder. Relevant institutions such as the Paris Zoo or the Berlin Zoo and Tierpark are seen as role models for future zoos that not only pursue commercial purposes, but also want to raise awareness of research and animal rights.

In the coming years, the zoo world will change significantly, architecture will become an art form that not only acts as a superstructure, but also seriously focuses on the living conditions of animals, the spectator experience and the education of the audience. Leipzig Zoo is obviously serious about this and shows that it is ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Overall, Leipzig Zoo remains a place that leads with a good hand and at the same time inspires visitors. Despite all the difficulties, the joy in some of the new animals and the innovative construction project is palpable - a sign that the zoo will continue to be very popular in the future.

You can find more information about Leipzig Zoo at Thuringia24, the operators themselves report on the construction progress in the zoo below Leipzig Zoo and further information on zoo architecture can be found at courier read up.