Filming at Erfurt Zoo: This is how teens get their dream job as animal keepers!

Filming at Erfurt Zoo: This is how teens get their dream job as animal keepers!

There's a lot going on at the Erfurt Zoo, a popular destination for animal lovers and families. A camera team was on site between June 2nd and 6th to film for the MDR format “Elephant, Tiger & Kids”. Loud Thuringia24 The show follows six young people who complete an internship at the zoo and thus gain an insight into the profession of zookeeper.

This young group experiences both the beautiful and the challenging sides of the job. It gets particularly exciting when Jakob (14) from Durach and Vivian (15) from Recklinghausen help look after the animals. The showering of the elephants is very interesting, which is the absolute highlight for both of them during filming. The new season of “Elefant, Tiger & Kids” will be broadcast on Kika and in the ARD media library in October.

A look behind the scenes

The work of a zookeeper is varied and demanding. Whether it's feeding, cleaning the enclosures or monitoring the animals' health, each task has its own appeal. Loud Training compass Animal keepers are also responsible for interacting with visitors and explaining a lot of interesting facts about the animals to guests. They also provide support with medical care and take part in breeding programs to protect endangered species.

A current example of breeding success in the zoo is the female cheetah Djehuti, called Judy. On February 6, 2025, she traveled to the Münster All-Weather Zoo to enter into a breeding partnership with the experienced tomcat Zambezi. The goal is for Judy to return pregnant to ensure the genetic diversity of this impressive species. A little later she will explore the outdoor area after previously only staying indoors. Updates on this important breeding mission are expected in mid-August, according to the zoo park's official website Erfurt Zoo Park.

The challenge of cheetah rescue

The need for conservation breeding programs is becoming increasingly urgent as cheetah habitats become increasingly threatened. Habitat loss and poaching are just two of the many threats threatening these majestic animals. Zoos play a central role in protecting these animals through international programs that promote not only reproduction but also the long-term maintenance of healthy populations.

Collaboration between zoos, conservation organizations and governments is crucial to ensuring the survival of cheetahs in the wild.

The Erfurt Zoo shows that it is not only a place of amazement and education, but also plays an active role in saving endangered species. One more reason to pay a visit to this special place.