Leipzig Zoo: Gardeners transform Gondwana land into a tropical paradise!

Leipzig Zoo: Gardeners transform Gondwana land into a tropical paradise!

The picturesque stretches out in the heart of Saxony Leipzig Zoo, which has developed into a true adventure park for animal and nature lovers in recent years. On 26 hectares, visitors can explore the diversity of wildlife that has been built around the newly designed husbandry conditions and themed worlds. A special highlight is the impressive Gondwana country, which, since its opening in 2011, has immersed visitors in a tropical world where Asia, South America and Africa unite.

The large tropical hall extends over two football fields and conveys an authentic jungle feeling with over 200 exotic animal species and 500 different plant species. Here, visitors can hike the jungle paths, climb the treetop path or take an exciting boat trip on the Gamanil jungle river. And anyone interested in flora will find a collection of 60 spices and exotic fruits in the tropical kitchen garden. The Gondwana land, which reaches a height of 34 meters, impresses not only with its architectural design, but also with a heated irrigation system that uses sustainable energy.

Caring for the tropical oasis

How is this tropical paradise actually maintained? The Leipzig Zoo has a dedicated team of carers and gardeners who look after the plants and animals on a daily basis. In order to cover the plants' need for light, articulated lifting platforms are used to maintain the treetops. Once a year there is a radical cut that looks drastic but does not harm the trees. On the contrary: they recover quickly and the lighting conditions for the lower plants improve significantly.

Before each cut, gardeners check the treetops for bird nests to protect breeding seasons. This sensitive approach shows that the zoo is not just a place of entertainment, but also takes responsibility for the animal and plant world. All measures are also featured in the MDR documentary soap “Elephant, Tiger and Co.” documented, which is broadcast every Friday at prime time.

The zoo as a place of learning

But Leipzig Zoo is not only known for its animals and plants. He also faces new challenges, especially in the Zoo architecture. The requirements for animal-friendly husbandry and the integration of educational offerings are constantly growing. The Institute for Zoo Architecture, founded by Prof. Dr. Natascha Meuser, is dedicated to the architectural consideration of these challenges. It not only promotes ecological awareness, but also cultural participation among visitors.

The architectural development of zoological facilities must be based on social values. The institute therefore advises zoos, cities and authorities on how these requirements can be implemented in the best possible way. This is done under the aspect of listed zoo architecture, whereby historical animal houses are preserved and integrated into the modern zoo design.

There is a lot to discover at Leipzig Zoo, from the dazzling penguins that can be found right in front of the historic aquarium to the majestic lions in the savannah, Makasi Simba. A visit here is not only a great experience, but also an opportunity to learn more about the wonders of nature and understand the importance of animal welfare.