40 years of Sonneberg Zoo: An unforgettable celebration for families!

40 years of Sonneberg Zoo: An unforgettable celebration for families!

There's a celebration in Sonneberg: The zoo in Neufang looks back on a proud 40-year history. From the humble beginnings of a small animal enclosure founded by the Rothammel family between 1925 and 1927, the facility has developed into a popular excursion destination. Originally located next to an inn on the Schönberg, the enclosure initially only housed two deer, two monkeys - Fips and Hans - and a parrot named Lore. The animal enclosure was mentioned for the first time in 1929, which laid the foundation for today's diversity.

In the 1970s, the enclosure was separated from the family's mountain inn and was significantly expanded. In 1985, the city of Sonneberg took over responsibility for the zoo, thereby laying the foundation for today's municipal management. Particularly worth visiting is the zoo, which is located on an area of ​​around 3 hectares at an altitude of 650 meters in the coniferous forest.

An overview of the zoo

The Sonneberg Zoo has developed into a real institution over the years. Today over 100 animals from 35 different species live here. Every year, more than 20,000 visitors, especially families with children, enjoy the animal residents. The family atmosphere is underlined by offers such as a petting zoo and a children's playground.

Each enclosure is equipped with information boards that provide exciting details about the animals, making the visit not only entertaining but also educational. A tour through the zoo is varied and invites you to an unforgettable experience in nature.

Zoos in Germany in context

Tiergartens and zoos are not only popular in Sonneberg: these facilities are very popular throughout Germany, especially among families. Over 200 zoological gardens and animal parks in Germany attract around 20 million people every year. These facilities offer a wide range of leisure options, from animal enclosures to playgrounds and dining options. The turnover of these facilities amounted to around 400 million euros in 2022, which underlines the economic importance of zoos.

Despite their popularity, zoos and animal parks are often criticized for keeping animals in a species-appropriate manner. Animal protection organizations are committed to ensuring that animals live in larger spaces and that keeping conditions are improved. To meet the challenges of modern discussions, zoos are responding by using fewer animals in more spacious enclosures and contributing to biodiversity through breeding programs. Despite all the challenges, the exchange about animals and nature remains an important part of education and community life, as the Sonneberg Zoo proves.

In conclusion, it can be said that the Sonneberg Zoo is not only a place for relaxation, but also represents a piece of history and a valuable educational institution for young and old. Visitors appreciate the loving design of the facility and the opportunity to experience the fascinating wildlife up close. Visit the zoo and celebrate the 40-year tradition of this special place with us!