Hirschfeld Wildlife Park

Hirschfeld Wildlife Park, known in German as Tierpark Hirschfeld, is a zoological park located in Voigtsgrün, within the municipality of Hirschfeld, near the city of Zwickau in the German Free State of Saxony. The history of the site is notable for its long-standing connection to wildlife preservation, with records indicating that the land and its mature trees have been protected for centuries. Evidence from maps dating back to 1870 shows the existence of a wildlife enclosure on the property, which was then managed by Lord Alexander von Arnim and used for keeping deer.

In 1890, a significant structure, a hunting lodge referred to as the "log cabin" (Blockhaus), was constructed within the enclosure and remains a feature of the park today. The ownership of the Voigtsgrün estate, including the animal enclosure, passed to Arno von Arnim, Alexander's brother, in 1909. The transformation of the site into a dedicated wildlife park occurred in 1956. At its inception as a public park, the enclosure covered an area of approximately 6 hectares and housed initial livestock such as red deer, red fox, and badger.

Today, Hirschfeld Wildlife Park has expanded its grounds and offers a diverse collection of approximately 600 animals representing 90 different species. The current animal inhabitants include a variety of wildlife such as raccoon dogs, wild boar, bears, gray wolves, pot-bellied pigs, various waders, Heidschnucken sheep, raccoons, porcupines, mouflon, bison, snowy owls, monkeys, and ferrets. The park also retains its natural heritage, featuring trees that are up to 450 years old. Beyond its animal exhibits, Hirschfeld Wildlife Park provides amenities for visitors, including a petting zoo, restaurants, a minigolf course, and a children's playground. The park also permits visitors to bring their dogs.