Zoos in transition: Leipzig is fighting to save the field hamsters!

Zoos in transition: Leipzig is fighting to save the field hamsters!

A lot has happened in the world of zoos. Especially the zoos in Germany, especially the one Leipzig Zoo, have increasingly positioned themselves as educational and research institutions in recent years. A central concern is the protection of endangered animal species, which also includes the cute field hamster. These little rodents don't have it easy: modern agriculture and the sealing of soils are putting them under enormous strain.

The “Ark for the European Hamster”, a project launched in 2021, is entirely dedicated to the preservation of this species. Leipzig Zoo is already achieving success in breeding and releasing field hamsters into the wild, which are officially considered to be in danger of extinction. Patience is required for breeders because breeding does not always go smoothly. As recent reports show, there were difficulties in a current experiment when a male approached a female too boldly and was rejected.

Focus on committed species protection

Leipzig Zoo's commitment goes beyond breeding. According to that Leipzig Zoo The project to save the European hamster includes population support and reintroduction measures as well as comprehensive research activities. The breeding station was set up in cooperation with the Saxon State Ministry to ensure the long-term preservation of the field hamster in Saxony and Central Germany.

The “Ark for the European Hamster” is part of a holistic protection strategy. This also includes collaboration with various partners in the Cooperative Field Hamster Protection Working Group in order to open up new habitats for this endangered species. The challenges that field hamsters face are diverse and require innovative solutions.

The charming field hamster

The European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is remarkable not only because of its colorful, soft fur with a black belly and white front paws. It gives birth to an average of four young between April and August - a number that has been reduced to just one litter per year due to the decline in recent years. The field hamster's eggy diet consists of parts of plants, potatoes, sugar beets and even small animals, which it transports in its expandable cheek pouches and stores in its burrow.

But the enemies of the field hamster should not be underestimated either. Foxes, martens and birds of prey like the red kite make life difficult for him. The hibernation behavior, which lasts from October to mid-April, shows the amazing adaptability of these small animals. Who would have thought that a charming animal could contain so many survival strategies?

The work in the zoo and the commitment to the field hamster are far from over. Thanks to the commitment and support of projects like that of NABU The field hamster may soon be found again in a variety of habitats in Central Germany. It remains exciting!