New resident at Riesa Zoo: Field hamster delights visitors!

New resident at Riesa Zoo: Field hamster delights visitors!

There is an exciting new addition to the Riesa Zoo: a field hamster has moved into a specially created facility that is based on its natural habitat. This novelty is astonishing because the European hamster is one of the most endangered mammals in Central Europe and could soon disappear from Saxony and Central Germany if no quick measures are taken. [Sächsische] reports that the zoo complex also offers a neighborhood for Thuringian rabbits and Eurasian harvest mice - a true small biotope has emerged within the park walls.

However, spotting the shy European hamster, which is predominantly nocturnal, requires a bit of luck. The glass box in which the little rodent has found his home is taped off in many places to offer him a protected place to retreat. But there are also small excerpts that give visitors exciting insights into the underground lifestyle of the European hamster. Information signs in front of the hamster home invite you to find out more about this fascinating species.

Commitment to species protection

Behind this great project is the important collaboration between Leipzig Zoo and Riesa Zoo. The field hamster comes from Leipzig Zoo, which is actively involved in the species protection project “Saving the Central German Field Hamster”. The aim of this project is to restore hamster-friendly habitats in the Saxon cultural landscape and to sustainably reintroduce the species. [Sächsische] emphasizes the importance of this initiative and has thus raised awareness in the region about the protection of these special animals.

A special highlight for all nature and animal lovers will take place on Thursday, November 13th, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Riesa Zoo. Thomas Liebenstein, project manager for species protection at Leipzig Zoo, gives a lecture on the developments and successes of the last two years as part of the project. The event will provide an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the practical work of species conservation while addressing the challenges and collaboration between zoos, conservation organizations and agriculture. Admission is free and listeners are allowed in from 5:45 p.m. [Riesa Zoo] warmly invites you to take an interest in regional biodiversity and practical nature conservation.

Would you like a little history? Today, November 9th, complex events were celebrated and suffered in the past that have shaped world history. For example, the opening of the borders in East Berlin in 1989 or the discovery of the chemical element darmstadtium in Germany in 1994. [Onthisday] offers an interesting insight into history and invites you to reflect on the important turning points of humanity.

The European hamster is therefore not only a symbol of the challenges, but also of the successes in species protection and the commitment that we value in our region. The Riesa Zoo with its new attraction is an important step in the right direction.