Care in paradise: This is how Leipzig's Gondwana country blossoms!

Care in paradise: This is how Leipzig's Gondwana country blossoms!

The Gondwanaland tropical adventure world at Leipzig Zoo is celebrating a remarkable anniversary this year: exactly 10 years ago, the fascinating jungle opened its doors and has since captivated millions of visitors. It is clear that Leipzig Zoo can score points with this success story. The hall is not only a dazzling attraction, but also a living example of animal welfare and environmental protection.

The numbers speak for themselves: Since opening on July 1, 2011, Gondwanaland has offered over 170 animal species, 90 largely free-roaming animals in the shaggy flora and more than 24,000 tropical plants. Visitors can look forward to a 90-meter-long treetop walk or experience the exotic flora and fauna up close on an 11-minute boat trip on the jungle river Gamanil. This diversity is not only a feast for the eyes, but is also intended to increase awareness of the rainforest that is worth protecting. The investments amounting to almost 70 million euros are a clear expression of the commitment to nature conservation.

Care and preservation of biodiversity

This makes the daily care of the animals and plants, which is carried out by a motivated team of carers and gardeners, all the more important. “It is important that our animals are well,” emphasizes Christine Anger, who ensures that the lush greenery in Gondwanaland is not overwhelmed. The treetops need to be pruned regularly to ensure that light reaches the lower plants, and it's a real feat to keep the balance here. Michael Ernst explains: "Radical pruning promotes the rapid growth of the trees. Before such actions, we of course check whether there are nests in the trees in order to protect the birds' breeding season."

To carry out this demanding work, articulated lifting platforms and heavy equipment are used. But care is only a small part of the big picture. Successful breeding measures, for example with the spotted quolls, make it clear how seriously the zoo takes its commitment to the preservation of endangered species. Over 150 animals of this species have already been bred, and other animal species are also thriving.

Reproduction and animal management

Insights into the advanced methods of reproductive planning in zoos show how much responsibility zookeepers bear. Facilities such as Leipzig Zoo have developed modern management methods to promote reproduction and ensure animal welfare. The focus is not only on maintaining genetic diversity, but also on understanding the animals' social behavior, which is a prerequisite for their species-appropriate husbandry.
These measures are particularly relevant for endangered species and help stabilize populations both in captivity and in the wild. Various contraceptive methods, medication and the monitoring of reproductive reasons play an important role.

The management of the breeding program in Gondwanaland is reflected not only in the growth of the animal population, but also in the positive development of the animal species that live here. It becomes clear how committed the zoo's employees are to this important aspect of species protection.

Another highlight awaits you with the new episodes of the popular series “Elefant, Tiger & Co.”, which will be broadcast on MDR TV on Fridays at 7:50 p.m. Here, non-visitors can also get a little insight into the exciting goings-on behind the scenes at the zoo.

Behind the colorful facade of Gondwanaland lies a world full of challenges and successes, which makes Leipzig Zoo an indispensable company in the field of animal protection and education about environmental issues. The combination of awareness-raising experiences and a clear commitment to animal protection is the heart of this unique attraction, which will continue to leave nothing to be desired in the future.