Reviews - Zoos in Europe

There's huge refurbishment ongoing on the right hand side after the entrance as part of the 'Zoo der Zukunft' when I visit Leipzig Zoo. The Masterplan that came into effect in 2000 will make Leipzig Zoo a modern and resilient zoological facility comprising five theme worlds (Africa, Asia, South America, Pongoland, Gondwanaland) and the historical Founder's Garden. Several new enclosures have already been realised, with Gondwanaland as the masterpiece for which the Zoo has received worldwide recognition from the zoological community. At the entrance there's work in progress on a new flamingo exhibit and a new exit.

Founder's Garden

Besides men at work I discover a hodgepodge of species in a small area, right after the entrance. This historical part is called the Founder's Garden. In this part it is as if the visitor is provided a sneak preview of what to expect in the thematic sections. In this case a snapshot of species representing different geographical regions (Asia, South America, Africa), habitats (mountains, forests, cold regions) and taxonomic Classes (birds, reptiles, fishes, mammals). The most peculiar exhibit perhaps is the pool which houses the single Baikal seal together with black-footed penguins (Spheniscus dermersus). Two species that will never meet in real life, as the seal lives only in the waters of Lake Baikal in the northern hemisphere and the penguin is confined to southern African waters. It could be that refurbishment is planned for the old penguin enclosure (much nicer) which currently houses a variety of duck species. And that for the time being the penguins have moved in with the seal. But this is just a wild guess.

The Aquarium is one of the oldest buildings of the Zoo and houses many species that are grouped and presented in many basins, according their original habitat. The second floor, accessible via a spiral staircase in the centre of the building, has a large aquarium along the wall of the circular room. This provides a panoramic view on the fish species and several shark species (brownbanded bamboo shark, Japanese wobbegong and blacktip reef shark). From the aquarium section there's a passage to a tropical hall with vivariums, with the 'Everglades' exhibit with American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) as the most eye-catching enclosure.

The zoo is part of the Leipziger Auwald, a woody park, and borders the city centre. Therefore it is very green and still has the atmosphere of a park. The zoo is criss-crossed by several natural stream, of which the main is called 'Parthe'. The area after crossing the bridge over the 'Parthe' coming from the Founder's Garden, will be developed into theme world South America in the (near) future. To be finished in 2018.

South America theme world

In anticipation of the Masterplan to materialise this section is already called South America on the map that comes with the ticket. This could be confusing to the ignorant visitor who sees on the map that he enters the South America section while most of the species he walks by are from another geographical region according to the panels at the enclosures.

In 2013 the only South American species to be found here is the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) which can be smelled from quite a distance because of the distinct odour the animal spreads while marking its territory. The shy maned wolf natural habitat are the grasslands of South America where it hunts alone, unlike many other large canids. Although its enclosure resembles the natural open habitat, it provides not many hideouts for the maned wolf, which is generally a shy animal that flees when alarmed.

But like the Founder's Garden this south american area to-be-developed comprises species from different biogeographical regions - at the moment quite a few Asian species, such as the red panda, Amur leopard, snow leopard and Przewalski horse. The horses (five adults and four foals) are kept in a moated paddock close to the children's zoo.

The red panda enclosure is situated at one of two points of access for the future South America section. It is a circular walled area with much vegetation and two rather large trees. Across from these cuddly looking small predators with their red fur and taste for bamboo two feline Asian predators are housed. Both the Amur leopards are on display in an old-fashioned cage-like construction. A few of these cages are connected to provide a larger environment. Each cage is about 4 metres high with a surface of about 35 square metres. Elevated posts are available on tree trunks, and the leopards can shelter in their nigh quarters. Fortunately, improvement and relocation is foreseen in the Masterplan ('Zoo der Zukunft'). The neighbours, the two snow leopards, have similar enclosures at their disposal as the Amur leopards. But the snow leopards are very good mates and therefore their enclosures are interconnected. The male comes from Zoo Krefeld, and the female from Wildpark Lüneburgerheide.

Along the outer rim of the premises at this side of the Zoo, there's a row of old-fashioned aviaries with indigenous owls and an enclosure with roe deer.

Further to the variety of species already mentioned I discover in this area the Reeves's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) from Asia and Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli) from North America.

Information panels
The panels at the enclosures are modern and give good up-to-standard information about the species, including graphics of their original habitat and the IUCN Red List status.

Asia theme world

When walking from the Asian species in the future South America theme world to the entrance of the Asia theme world you'll find two identical aviaries left and right of this entrance. One with: yellow-billed stork, Waldrapp ibis,griffon vulture, king vulture; while the other one - a walk-through aviary - houses: black-crowned night heron, Indian pond heron, glossy ibis, white-winged wood duck, black-headed ibis, wooly-necked stork.

The herd of five Asian elephants is kept in a large segmented enclosure and have a pool close to the visitor's terrace. There's a variety of substrate materials available, such as sand, grass and concrete, while the trees are protected by walls of rocks. It is like an elephant palace, and even the indoor enclosure and pool are large. A very special feature is the tunnel with viewing windows that allow the visitor to see the elephants under water during their bath.

After my visit to the elephants it is time for a nice cool beverage at the Teich Pond cafe. It has a nice terrace with good views at the pelicans, and the Anoa as well, because their paddock borders the pelican pond.

After being revitalised I move on to the enclosure of the Amur tiger, the Tiger Taiga. This is a multilevel, more or less circular area enclosed by a rock face wall. The amphitheatre has a grand pool on the foreground close to the viewing window. At the other side of the pool there's a high level platform for the tigers to do what all cat species do most of the time: observe and sleep.

Next door the new Amur leopard exhibit is being built as part of the Masterplan.

And then it's time to visit Leipzig Zoo's renowned asset that opened to the public on 1 July 2011, Gondwanaland.

Gondwanaland

Gondwanaland is impressive, it is a zoo in a zoo. It is an enormous tropical hall in the north-western corner of the premises that encompasses a South America, Africa and Asia section. The sheer size of the hall allows for a very large self-service Asian style restaurant to be part of it. The restaurant provides many organic products to make the public aware of the necessity to alter their consumption pattern and reduce their ecological footprint - at least that is what I want to believe the Zoo is trying to achieve here.

The biodiversity of Gondwanaland can be observed from different angles. From the jungle paths you can peer through ferns and palms to see the animals, while from the treetops path you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lush green canopy. The small boat tour provides some insight in Planet Earth's evolution, but the views on the rainforest from the water surface I think are more interesting.

South America section

Although the common squirrel monkeys are great to watch doing their business on their own islands (see the video) and the ocelot has a gorgeous multilevel jungle-like enclosure, I think the highlight here is the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) exhibit. The otters have a giant pool at their disposal which they clearly enjoy. It represents a riparian zone in the South American jungle with on the river bank lush vegetation occupied by white-faced saki and silvery marmoset. In addition the monkeys have retreats in the rock face wall. A very special feature at this exhibit is the aquarium with fish and on both sides window panes that allow you to see the otters in their tank via the aquarium - a see-through aquarium so to speak.

Africa section

The Africa section is smaller than the other sections and therefore comprises fewer species. Nevertheless two interesting mixed-species exhibits have been created with owl-faced monkeys together with Kirk's dikdik, and pygmy hippos together with Diana monkeys. You don't see that often in zoos, but in their natural habitat these tree- and ground-dwelling species live together as well.

Asia section

Like everywhere in Gondwanaland the vegetation is lush in the Asia section. The fishing cat is housed in a not-so-very-big enclosure that has got a wire mesh roof at a height of about 1.5 metres and water to splash around near the visitor viewing window. The Malayan tapir in their spacious enclosure bordering the river have produced offspring on 9 February 2013. The multi-level pools in the small-clawed otter exhibit provide an interesting environment for the otters, of which I see only one during my visit. I expect there to be more of these playful rascals at Leipzig Zoo, as they live in social groups in the wild. Komodo dragons can be seen at two places. One small rather barren enclosure near the entrance of Gondwanaland and another one along the Asian trail, but this one is large and enriched with a pool and shrubs.

From Gondwanaland I walk straight to the large non-human primate exhibit located at the north-eastern corner of the grounds.

Pongoland

Pongoland was opened to the public in April 2001, and at the time the largest ape enclosure of its kind in the world. The facilities comprises chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orang-utans, in other words all the great apes except humans. Pongoland houses the Wolfgang Köhler Primate Research Center where researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig conducts research. They study the behaviour, perception and communication of apes.

There are two groups of chimpanzees. A group of 16 specimens of West African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus), of which 9 come from the Dutch research institute (REPGO) in Rijswijk. And a smaller group of 6 specimens, of which 4 originates from the REPGO institute. The troop of western lowland gorillas is the smallest of the social communities at Pongoland. It consists of four individuals with the latest offspring born in Leipzig in 2009. The bonobo troop is considerably larger with 10 individuals and it contributed to the global captive population on 18 April 2013 with their latest newborn, a female. The orangutan species at Pongoland are of Sumatran origin (Pongo abelli) and form a troop of 10 individuals as well.

Indoors, the apes don't have much natural vegetation at their disposal, although plants are used for decoration, mainly to give the visitors still a sense of a natural environment with all the artificial enrichment in the exhibits I presume. It is quite different from the outside enclosures which are not only large but have plenty of natural vegetation as well, including large trees and grassy undulating meadows, besides artificial enrichment features. All the outdoor exhibits are surrounded by water-filled moats, which have electrical wire installed just above the surface in case one of the apes goes for the unimaginable escape route via the water. The rear wall of the outer enclosures is an artificial rock face wall that also is the construction wall of the Pongoland building.

Indoors in Pongoland birds are enjoying a spacious area where they can freely fly about, such as western bluebill, warbled starling and red-and-yellow barbet.

Africa theme world

The okapi forest is the first African species enclosure I arrive at when I've left Pongoland's indoor facilities following the route coming from the Asian elephants. Although there's also an odd section with some Asian species here as well. At the Asian forest enclosures at this corner farthest away from the entrance there are two species of crane (Grus japonensis and Grus vipio) housed together with musk deer. Furthermore, they keep Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) too, a deer species I have never seen in any other zoo I visited yet. The global Eld's Deer population is Endangered according the IUCN Red List and is currently very localised to small areas within the species' former range in South and South-east Asia.

The okapi share the exhibit with red forest duiker (Cephalophus natalensis). Much attention is paid to particularities, also along the footpath. With on my left the water-filled moats of the outdoor orangutan and chimp enclosures, and on my right the okapi forest, these characteristics give me the impression to be exploring the jungle on my own - lucky for me it is not a busy day at the Zoo .

Leipzig Zoo supports the Okapi Conservation Project of Organisation Gilman International Conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Moving on from there the beautiful savannah area appears. A mixed-species exhibit with African crowned crane, a herd of seven Rothschild's giraffes (including three young adolescents), Grevy's zebra, southern ostrich, scimitar-horned oryx, Thomson gazelle, Nile lechwe, Marabu stork and lesser flamingo. Actually, this is the first real mixed-species exhibit with more than two species that I discover, and it is an impressive one. At the Kiwari lodge - an African-style restaurant - you have a great view on the savannah plain which is an elongated but broad grassy paddock. When you forget about the park in the background you could imagine yourself to be sitting at a real lodge on the borders of a savannah area in Africa.

Across from the big Kiwari savannah there's a smaller rather secluded area with Angola lions (Panthera leo bleyenberghi). The two lions, originally from Lisbon Zoo, occupy an enclosure with undulating grounds, grass, a shelter and a high level platform. It is kind of shaped like an amphitheatre with on the right hand side a high rock face wall, while on the visitor's side there are trees, bamboo shrubs and a water-filled moat. Although situated in a secluded location the lions are very exposed to the inquisitive public, because the animals can be viewed from many points around the enclosure, even in their indoor quarters. Much attention has been paid again to the Zoo's design, for instance with drawings on the wall along the footpath close to the lions exhibit. At this part of the Zoo premises most enclosures are rather large, including the spotted hyena exhibit which contains undulating multilevel grounds with boulders and other type of enrichment, but above all a view on the Kiwari savannah.

At the border of the Asia theme world the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) are on display in a less attractive exhibit. The male and female are kept separate in small outdoor paddocks on sandy substrate. All vegetation, trees and shrubs, are protected by boulders from the rhinos destructive capacity. The grounds are slightly sloping down towards the visitor's side where the paddock ends at a low wall; the other side borders the pelican pond.

From the black rhinos I walk to the monkey islands where another African species can be found, the Hamadryas baboon, on an old-fashioned baboon rock. This is not part of the African theme world anymore. Actually it is not part of any theme world at all. It is situated at the crossroads where you have to decide which theme world you want to visit. The other primate species housed on the monkey islands is the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus).

While walking back to the exit/entrance I have a quick look at the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) enclosure called sloth bear ravine. It's a varied enclosure with a waterfall, a moat, and a rock face wall all around. The large trees are protected from the bears destructive behaviour by electrical wire. The bears have got dead trees at their disposal to climb to great heights. Adjacent there's an enclosure where two sloth bears living together with rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

Conclusion
A former East Germany zoo that is turning itself into a modern zoo with enormous speed. Gondwanaland, the elephant enclosure, Pongoland and the Kiwari savannah are great facilities with superb features that will be appreciated by most if not all visitors. There's more work to be done to provide all species with enclosures that meet the standards of modern zoos. But with their Masterplan 'Zoo der Zukunft' Leipzig Zoo management is on top of things. Therefore, I am looking forward to my next visit to Leipzig Zoo.

Gondwanaland Theme World

Gondwanaland is a milestone of Leipzig Zoo's Masterplan 'Zoo der Zukunft'. It was opened to the public on 1 July 2011. It made Leipzig Zoo world famous in the zoo community. It is an ancient supercontinent brought back to life.

Earth history

Approximately 300 to 180 million years ago Earth's land mass was a supercontinent called Pangea, that existed of two other big land masses. In paleogeography, Gondwana or Gondwanaland, is the name given to the more southerly of these two big land masses (the other being Laurasia). Gondwana separated from Laurasia 200-180 million years ago (the mid-Mesozoic era) during the breakup of Pangaea, drifting farther south after the split.

Gondwana included most of the landmasses in today's Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica, South America, Africa, Madagascar, and the Australian continent, as well as the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian Subcontinent, which have now moved entirely into the Northern Hemisphere.

This explains that Leipzig Zoo's Gondwanaland comprises South America, Africa and Asia, the largest original land masses of Earth's ancient Gondwana. Furthermore it explains that you the boat tour on the river in Leipzig Zoo's Gondwanaland provides a journey back in time through Earth's history.

Some facts and figures

The idea, design and feasible architecture was developed as a coproduction of Architects Martin Henchion & Klaus Reuter (Berlin/Dublin), the Obermeier Albis Bauplan company (Berlin), Structural engineers Eisenloffel, Sattler & partners (Berlin) and fire protection office Hahn (Leipzig).

A sustainable concept

• Gondwanaland is covered by a cantilever steel-girder construction into which 407 foil cushions are embedded

• A special coating makes the foil cushions self-cleaning. Bird droppings will rinse off at the next rain shower

• The vertex of the roof reaches a height of 34 meters, allowing sufficient growth for towering tropical vegetation

• The transparent foil cushions enable a 100 percent radiation of UV rays that are so important for the plants and animals living in Gondwanaland

• An ingeniously designed heating and irrigation system. The transparent foil cushions allow thermal energy generated from waste air to be stored in a 100,000 litre energy accumulator, which can then be used at night for heating

Figures

• Europe's largest tropical hall (2011); 16.500 m²

• Total costs of the Gondwanaland development: 66.8 mln Euro (Free State of Saxony 32.3 mln Euro, City of Leipzig 11.5 mln Euro, Leipzig Zoo 23 mln Euro)

• Duration of building: 43 months

• More than 300 animals (ca 40 species); more than 17,600 plants (ca 500 species)

• Available area for animals: 4,000 m²

• Area planted: 7,500 m²

• Total river length: 390 m

• Total path length: 650 m

• The number of visitors in first year: 2.32 million

• Average temperature: 24 - 26 degrees Celsius

• Humidity: 65 - 100 percent

Leipzig Zoo introduced the Gondwanaland-hall concept in 2009 with this video:

And Wolfgang Schmökel provided a great impression of how Gondwanaland looks like about a year after it was opened to the public in this 15 minutes video:

(Source: Wikipedia; website Leipzig Zoo; Tropenerlebniswelt Gondwanaland, Zoo Leipzig - Kulturstiftung Leipzig, 2011; University of Texas press release, 03.11.2014; YouTube)

Some additional information, such as contact details and involvement in breeding programmes.

directions to Leipzig Zoo

Zoo Leipzig is centrally located and can be reached in several minutes on foot from the city centre. If you arrive by train at Leipzig's central station (Hauptbahnhof) or take the tram, simply follow the Leipzig Zoo signs after getting off. There are tracks on the ground to lead you the way.

Address:
Pfaffendorfer Strasse 29
04105
Leipzig
Germany

public transport

by train

The easiest way to reach the zoo is by train. The central railway station is not far away. Take the No. 12 tram from the train station or walk to the zoo following the “Schlängelroute” track signs on the ground (about 800 m). A routeplanner, timetables and information on fares for the train is available here.

by tram

Zoo Leipzig is close and easy to reach by tram:

• The tram No. 12 destined for Gohlis-Nord will take you directly to the tram stop 'Zoo' (three stops away from the central railway station).

• If on the other hand you use the tram No. 9, 10, 11 or 16, get off at the tram stop 'Wilhelm-Liebknecht-Platz'. From this tram stop follow the “Dschungelpfad” track signs on the ground (about 550m).

• Alternatively, the tram No. 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15 stop at the tram stop 'Goerdelerring'. After getting off the tram simply follow the “Entdeckerschlucht” track signs on the ground (about 650m).

You will need to buy the tram ticket 'Kurzstrecke/ short trip'. A routeplanner, timetables and information on fares for the tram is available here.

by bicycle

Germany is becoming more and more bicycle friendly, though you should be careful when there is no cycle lane available, because not all German car drivers expect or respect cyclists on 'their' road. Leipzig is extremely bicycle friendly, you can even take your bicycle on the tram. Everybody rides a bike and the city is criss-crossed with excellent bike lanes and dedicated routes. Leipzig Zoo is well linked to the local cycle routes. A tip: If you are coming from a long distance, it is possible to take your bike on the train or bus and to cycle the last bit. Opposite the Zoo between the two multi-storey car parks there are plenty of bike stands. You can store your bike helmets or other pieces of baggage at the service point near the entrance. Ask one of the guides at the turnstiles about this. Collection is possible during Zoo opening hours.

The website komoot shows you the nicest routes from every place of departure. I stayed at Camping Auensee from where I had a perfect bicycle ride of about 5 km, first along a small canal (Neue Luppe), then passing allotment gardens and finally through the Leipziger Auwald, a city park wherein Leipzig Zoo is located.

If you don't bring your own bicycle there's a nation-wide (even outside Germany) public bicycle rental system called nextbike that was founded in Leipzig in 2004. There are literally dozens of places to pick up and drop off. It's a really slick way to rent a nice bike for as long as you like. About €9 per day.

by car

There are many ways to reach Zoo Leipzig. If you use your Nav Sat route planner you will be able to find the most optimal route.

Please note: Leipzig has been declared as a 'low emission zone', where access is only for cars, buses and utility vehicles with the low emission zone sticker. More information here.

To avoid the low emission zone you can use the free Park and Ride parking spaces, from where you can easily travel to the zoo by tram. Further details can be found here (unfortunately only available in German).

Parking

Drive towards the "city centre" and follow the signs for the Zoo. Please pay attention to the parking guidance system (unfortunately only available in German) to the multi-storey car park directly opposite the main entrance to the zoo with 1375 parking spaces (fee apply).

Charging stations
The zoo's multi-storey car park has four charging stations, which you can use free of charge.

Download the zoo map here.

Interactive map of the zoo is available here.