Leipzig Zoo: Progress Report of the 25-Year Master Plan
Weggefährten des „Zoo der Zukunft“: Wolfgang Tiefensee, Prof. Jörg Junhold & Burkhard Jung (v.l.n.r.).
© Zoo Leipzig
(eap) With the adoption of the “Zoo of the Future” master plan back in June 2000, Leipzig Zoo set out to transform itself into a modern, nature-oriented and species-appropriate zoological institution. 25 years after the decision, numerous projects have been realized and others are currently being implemented. During a panel discussion, Leipzig’s Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung, who has accompanied the transformation to the zoo of the future throughout his term of office since 2006, and Wolfgang Tiefensee, who as Lord Mayor at the time initiated the master plan resolution on June 14, 2000, together with Zoo Director Prof. Jörg Junhold, reflected on the zoo’s transformation process.
„Kiwara-Savanne“ - Lebensraum für verschiedene Tierarten. © Zoo Leipzig
“I am unspeakably proud of everything we have achieved. We have arrived at the zoo of the future, even if some projects are still outstanding and the path to the future will continue. It was a feat of strength, a challenge, but it is also a project close to our hearts and now even our life’s work, with which the entire team is realizing what we stand for: We love animals, we save species, we inspire enthusiasm for biodiversity, we make it tangible – and as a tourist magnet, we help shape the dynamic development in our city,” says Zoo Director Prof. Jörg Junhold, summarizing the progress and present of Leipzig Zoo.
The Zoo of the Future Master Plan as a corporate strategy was developed by an interdisciplinary team of long-standing zoo employees and external experts between the time Prof. Junhold took office in November 1997 and the unanimous decision by Leipzig City Council 25 years ago. “At the time, it was an unimaginable but very exciting project that would stand for Leipzig, and Jörg Junhold succeeded in convincing us all of its feasibility. Today we can see that: The team has certainly earned the praise it received in advance,” recalls Tiefensee. The “Lion Savannah”, “Pongoland” (both 2001), the “Tiger Taiga” (2003) and the “Kiwara Savannah” (2004) were the first ideas to become reality and are still among the most popular habitats for endangered species at Leipzig Zoo today. A total of more than 245 million euros has been invested in the transformation of the zoo.
Das „Feuerland“ wächst. © Zoo Leipzig
By the 150th anniversary of Leipzig Zoo in 2028, the implementation of the master plan should be completed, and the current and outstanding projects finished. Work is currently underway on the “Tierra del Fuego” master plan project, which will create an aquatic world for sea lions and penguins at the southern tip of the “South America” themed world. Guests will be able to walk through a 360-degree tunnel and experience the marine mammals and birds around them. The opening is planned for next year. The modernized terrarium in the immediate vicinity of Tierra del Fuego is due to reopen this year. Furthermore, work is also underway on the “Asian Island Worlds” featuring large aviaries and island habitats designed for various species. ■
