Are our zoos still up to date? Experts demand urgent change!

Are our zoos still up to date? Experts demand urgent change!

Gera, Deutschland - The future of the zoos is very popular and is repeatedly discussed controversially. In Thuringia, with numerous zoos and zoos such as the Altenburger Inselzoo and the zoo in Gera, the discourse is particularly alive. Jan Schleinitz, the new director of the Thuringian Zoopark in Erfurt, emphasizes that the housing conditions have improved significantly since the opening of the first zoo in Berlin 181 years ago. Nevertheless, the question of whether Zoos is still up to date are still relevant. Sustainability and protection of endangered species are the big topics of our time. According to MDR there are different views on the function and role of zoos in modern society.

animal welfare organizations like PETA express sharp criticism and demand the abolition of zoos. They argue that these facilities are mainly focused on visitor numbers and less on effective species protection. Dag Encke, zoo director of the Nuremberg Zoo, specifies that zoos are only relevant if there are habitats for animals. The educational mandate of the zoos, as animal inspector Steffen Horn emphasizes, is a central task that is primarily intended to introduce children to nature.

The role of zoos in species protection

But what do zoos actually do in the area of ​​species protection? Experts analyze the role of zoo facilities and come to the conclusion that they take on an outstanding function as protective devices for endangered animals. According to [the knowledge] (https://das-wissen.de/umwelt-und- sustainability/dierolle-der-zoos-im-art protection), the challenges for zoos are enormous: high costs, limited living space and at the same time the public pressure require creative solutions. Species protection projects and targeted breeding programs are necessary so that endangered animal species do not simply disappear from the scene.

Here a positive aspect comes into play: Zoos like the Erfurt zoo not only collect donations for projects in the natural habitats of the animals, but also make an active contribution to the awareness of the population through educational work. It is also important that the zoological gardens strengthen their efforts in species protection and support more local facilities. According to Rene Glaser from the Thuringian State Animal Protection Association, the role of Zoos is essential, since many species are still threatened with extinction despite their efforts.

A look into the future

The annual conference of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VDZ) in June 2025 in Berlin will deal in detail with the role of zoos in species protection and biodiversity. With over 163,000 wild animals alone in the member zoos and annual investments of around 11 million euros in more than 150 species protection projects worldwide, it becomes clear that Zoos play a crucial role in protecting our biological diversity. Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary in the Federal Environment Ministry, and VDZ President Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold demand more cooperation and clear responsibilities for species protection.

zoos are more than just leisure facilities; They are also schools for life. The preservation of biodiversity and ensuring that the coming generations can still experience the miracles of the animal world requires the commitment of the entire society. The cooperation between zoos, authorities and nature conservation organizations will be crucial to cope with the challenges of the future.