Leipzig zoo director Junhold takes stock: Farewell after six years!

Leipzig zoo director Junhold takes stock: Farewell after six years!

A farewell that will remain in your memory: Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, who has significantly shaped the fortunes of the Leipzig Zoo and the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) over the last six years, has resigned from his position. Today, various news portals announce his farewell and take a look at his successes and challenges. For Leipzig Zoo, his time as director was not only filled with joy, but also with intense challenges, such as the corona pandemic and the previous Ukraine crisis. Thüringen24 reports that...

Junhold, who has also been president of the VdZ since 2019, left the association with improved political visibility in Berlin and became known for his focus on the involvement of zoo experts in legal developments. His successor, Dr. Dag Encke from Nuremberg Zoo is now taking over the presidency of the VdZ. Junhold looks back on a term in office in which he modernized the work structures for research, public relations and species protection. However, he will remain an active member of the VdZ for another three years and can look forward to his new role as treasurer of the European Zoo Association (EAZA). Tag24 reports that…

The role of zoos in species conservation

Looking back at Junhold's efforts highlights the central role of zoos in species conservation. These institutions are often in the crossfire of criticism, but they have also shed a lot of light on the fact that zoos are taking responsibility by conserving and rehabilitating endangered species. Their work is an important contribution to biodiversity and the preservation of endangered animal species. Knowledge shows that...

There is criticism of zoos, particularly with regard to species-appropriate husbandry, but the approaches to better animal protection and cooperation with universities to research official standards are significant. Junhold himself reformed the Species Protection Foundation and established a public zoo and wildlife forum, which strengthens the view of zoos as education and information centers. These commitments are necessary as part of a holistic approach so that zoos can successfully continue their role in species conservation in the long term.

In conclusion, it should be noted that Junhold's term of office was not only characterized by challenges, but also by numerous advances. His successes help to improve society's perception of zoos and establish them as important players in species conservation. Whether as treasurer of the EAZA or as a member of the VdZ - Junhold will remain an important part of the zoological community in the future. It will be interesting to see how the situation at Leipzig Zoo will develop under the new leadership.