Zoo Leipzig has presented its plans for the further modernisation process involved in the creation of the ‘Zoo of the Future’. In spite of the progress made in recent years there are still areas of the zoo which require action. Dr. Jörg Junhold, Director of the zoo, sums up the position as follows: “We’ve already made good progress on the road to the future, but there are still a number of critical areas which require the continued decisive implementation of our master plan. These include the Bärenburg bear enclosure, the leopard enclosure, central sections of the zoo and the overall theme world of South America.”

As originally planned the next steps will be to transform the old enclosures, providing facilities which will be as close as possible to the natural conditions under which the various species live. This will be done in five phases, with the aim of optimising the attractiveness of the zoo’s facilities to visitors and at the same time reinforcing its top-quality work in the fields of species protection and education.


Phase I: New entrance - Amur leopards, infrastructure (2012-2014)

The increase in the number of visitors requires a separate exit area, which will be supplemented by a large flamingo aviary which visitors will be able to walk through. At present the ‘Tiger farm’ is home to Amur leopards and snow leopards. Both species are on the endangered list and will continue to be kept at the zoo. Next to the ‘Tiger taiga’ enclosure the Amur leopards are to receive a new home in the style of a cliff face with a stream and covered by netting.


Phase II: Bärenburg, Kiwara ‘kopje’ for rhinos, Founder’s Garden (2013-2015)

Next to the Kiwara savannah, the black rhinos will receive an area of open grassland with a hillock in the form of an original African ‘kopje’. They will share this with other inhabitants of the savannah and hamadryas baboons. The historic Bärenburg bear enclosure is to become an attractive playground for all ages. A fountain will be constructed on the redesigned plaza in front of the aquarium. On two small islands the flamingos will be replaced by marmosets, while the monkey house, a listed building, will become a paradise for birds and small animals which are threatened by extinction.


Phase III: Himalayas; Pantanal/pampas/Patagonia, infrastructure (2015-2017)

The mountainous world of the Himalayas containing snow leopards, red pandas and vultures and covered by netting will be accessible to visitors next to the newly-created great cats’ hill by the entrance and exit to Gondwanaland. Attached to this enclosure will be the historic large aviary, which is to be completely restored in line with its status as a listed building. Under the title ‘From Pantanal via the pampas to Patagonia’ the theme world of South America will stretch from north to south, like the continent itself, and will be home to coatis, maned wolves, giant anteaters, vicuñas and other species.


Phase IV: Tierra del fuego – penguins and seals (2016-2018)

At the southernmost point of South America a spectacular marine world will be created for penguins and seals. A pool with waves will provide both the atmosphere of the sea and a playground for the animals. In the first 360° underwater tunnel visitors will progress downwards from the penguins to the seals and experience the animals as if on a deep-sea dive.


Phase V: Asian island world with aviaries and crane enclosure; Sulawesi (2018-2020)

The existing birdlife ponds are to be enlarged into an island world which will be home to numerous Asian species such as brow-antlered deer, musk deer, lion-tailed macaques and Indian wild dogs. Instead of the old aviary the rainbow lorikeets and Manchurian cranes will receive a new home. The wild dog enclosure which is currently used for kangaroos and is attached to the lion house will be provided with a large area of grassland for the new species. At the northern end of the Bärenburg anoas and pig deer will be able to roam freely over a large area.


Decision on the master plan by the City Council in July

The main precondition for the implementation of the master plan, which will require investment of €56.5 million for the remaining phases of the construction work, is financial support from the City of Leipzig. The city’s investment budget is to cover 30% of the overall planned investment, with the remaining 70% to be financed by loans and the zoo’s own financial resources. The City Council will probably take a decision on the 2020 master plan at its meeting in the middle of July.