Looking back on 2015
In the year 2015 Zoo Leipzig successfully completed a range of projects. The opening of the Monkey Islands in March, the Kiwara Kopje in April, the CONGRESS HALL with its Concert Garden in May and the Bear Castle in July all confirm the institution's commitment to developing the Zoo of the Future.
Elephant mum Thura, the great apes, tapirs and tigers are all expecting babies
From the point of view of the animals, too, the year 2015 was an eventful one at Zoo Leipzig. Major contributions were made to species conservation by breeding success among the zoo's wild horses, Rothschild's giraffes, dwarf flamingos and black pond turtles, as well as the return to the wild of Przewalski horse Rabea in Mongolia. There are strong hopes that Thura the elephant will give birth successfully sometime between December 2015 and March 2016, and in addition to the baby elephant, the great apes, tapirs and tigers are also expecting new offspring.
New zoo projects and anniversaries
The summer of 2016 will see the opening of the Koala House. Discussions are currently being held with the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) to ensure that koalas will be able to find a home at Zoo Leipzig. In December 2015 a start was made to demolition work on the old predators' cliffs near Gondwanaland. In line with the principle of preserving historic buildings, part of the structure is to be integrated into the new mountain landscape. From 2017 the net-covered "Himalaya" enclosure will become home for the zoo's snow leopards and red pandas, both species which are threatened with extinction. In addition the vulture aviary will become part of the overall Himalaya complex.
The year 2016 will not only highlight new developments – it will also celebrate a number of milestones in the zoo calendar. Pongoland will be celebrating its 15th anniversary, the elephant temple Ganesha Mandir will be able to look back on 10 successful years, and the Gondwanaland tropical experience world will become 5 years old.