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Experience the garden sleeper: guided tours in the Elbe Animal Park Hebelei!
Experience Dormouse Day in the Elbe Animal Park Hebelei with guided tours and information about the garden dormouse on the 27th-29th. June 2025.
Experience the garden sleeper: guided tours in the Elbe Animal Park Hebelei!
There's something going on again at the Elbe Animal Park Hebelei! To mark Dormouse Day, very special tours will be offered from June 27th to 29th. These take place at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and are all about the garden dormouse, which was named “Garden Animal of the Year 2025” this year. With this award, the Heinz Sielmann Foundation has drawn attention to the endangerment of this species, because the garden dormouse is not only related to the dormouse, but also plays an important role in our ecosystem.
In addition, the Elbe Animal Park shows that it is actively concerned with the preservation of these and other sleeper species. The park has been successfully breeding various sleepers since 2009 and has already released garden dormice into the wild to secure their numbers. A special research project at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen is examining the genetic samples of these animals in order to better combat their decline.
The garden dormouse in focus
The garden dormouse (scientifically known asEliomys quercinus) is characterized by its striking appearance, particularly the characteristic black “Zorro mask” and large, dark eyes. It grows to around 12 to 17 cm long and is known for its crepuscular lifestyle. With a varied menu from insects to fruits, it contributes to the natural balance in our garden. Unfortunately, the garden dormouse is highly endangered, particularly due to the loss of its habitat through events such as surface sealing and tidy gardens.
Nature conservation associations are calling on garden owners to do their part to protect these animals. This includes creating shelter and avoiding the use of pesticides. In addition, anyone who would like to support the Elbe Tier Park can help by donating. The bank details for deposits are provided on the park's homepage.
Differences between garden dormouse and dormouse
Although garden dormouse and dormouse are often confused with each other, there are some striking differences that are easy to spot:
| Features | Dormouse | Garden dormouse |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | 15-20cm | 12-17cm |
| Tail length | 12-15cm | 10-14cm |
| For color | gray, bushy tail | grey-brown, black “Zorro mask” |
| Activity time | active at night | active at night, asleep during the day |
The wildlife in the Elbe Tier Park is more exciting than ever. If you want to find out more about the garden dormouse and its way of life, you shouldn't miss the guided tours. Not only is knowledge imparted here, but a contribution to nature conservation is also made. Come by and discover the fascinating world of these little rodents!