Zoo Leipzig
Founded 1878 · Germany
Zoo Leipzig (Leipzig)
Founded 1878 · Germany
Zoo Leipzig is Germany's zoo of the future — 27 hectares of fascinating wilderness in the heart of Leipzig where more than 850 species live in six authentically designed themed worlds. Founded in 1878, the zoo has reinvented itself as a pioneer of immersive habitat design, combining recreation, education, research and species conservation.
At its heart stands Gondwanaland, one of Europe's largest tropical halls — a rainforest under glass where visitors walk among free-flying birds, exotic plants and rare species. From Pongoland's great apes to the founder's garden, Zoo Leipzig proves that a historic city zoo can lead the world into a new era of animal care.
Highlights
- 27 hectares of wilderness in the heart of Leipzig
- 850+ species in six immersive themed worlds
- Gondwanaland — one of Europe's largest tropical halls
- Pongoland — great ape research and conservation
- Founded in 1878 — Germany's zoo of the future
- Open 365 days a year
- 1.6 million annual visitors
- EAZA and WAZA member
- Six themed worlds: Africa, Asia, South America, Pongoland, Gondwanaland, Founder Garden
- Award-winning modernisation and habitat design
Animals you'll meet
- Gorillas
- Bonobos
- Orangutans
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Tigers
- Hippos
- Koalas
- Sloth bears
- Giant otters
- Penguins
- Wolves
About the zoo
Signature Habitats
Each Erlebniswelt transports visitors to a different continent with naturalistic enclosures and barrier-free views.
- Gondwanaland — tropical rainforest hall with boat ride and free-flying birds
- Pongoland — gorillas, bonobos and orangutans in a world-class ape habitat
- Africa — lions, giraffes and savanna species
- Asia — tigers, sloth bears and Asian elephants
- South America — jaguars, giant otters and tropical species
- Founder Garden — historic heart of the zoo with heritage buildings
Must-See Experience
A gentle boat ride through Gondwanaland carries visitors past hippos, monkeys and hundreds of plant species in a climate-controlled paradise open year-round. Seasonal events and keeper talks add fresh discoveries to every visit.
Conservation Impact
Zoo Leipzig participates in international breeding programmes and supports field conservation through partnerships with Stiftung Artenschutz and global zoo networks. Research at Pongoland advances great ape welfare and contributes to species survival worldwide.
Plan Your Visit
Allow a full day to explore all six worlds. The zoo opens at 9:00 every day of the year, with seasonal closing times. Family facilities, restaurants and play areas make Leipzig a rewarding destination for all ages.
History
- 1878
Zoo Leipzig founded as one of Germany's oldest zoological gardens
- 2000
Masterplan launched for themed world transformation
- 2011
Gondwanaland tropical hall opens — one of Europe's largest
- 2020
New bird worlds Amazonia and Loriversum open
- 2024
Continuous expansion of immersive habitats and conservation programmes
Conservation
Zoo Leipzig combines recreation, education, research and species conservation. Every visit supports breeding programmes and field projects that protect endangered animals worldwide.
- International species breeding programmes
- Gondwanaland tropical ecosystem research
- Pongoland great ape conservation
- Stiftung Artenschutz partnership
- EAZA and WAZA network programmes
Awards
- EAZA member
- WAZA member
- Germany's zoo of the future