Saarbrücken Zoo

Saarbrücken Zoo, officially known as Zoologischer Garten der Landeshauptstadt Saarbrücken, is the largest zoological garden in the German state of Saarland. Annually, it welcomes over 200,000 visitors and is home to approximately 1,700 animals representing 160 different species. The zoo is particularly noted for its specialization in African animals.

History

The site that now hosts Saarbrücken Zoo was historically used as a quarry starting in 1870. The original zoo was established in 1932 but was completely destroyed during the events of World War II. Following the war, efforts to rebuild the zoo commenced in 1956. The new facility was established on a different site, covering an area of 15 hectares (approximately 37.1 acres), located at the base of the Eschberges hill.

In February 1995, a tragic incident occurred when an elephant named Danka fatally injured the head elephant keeper, Uwe Rothe. Approximately a year later, in March 2006, both elephants then housed at the zoo were transferred to Alexandria Zoo in Egypt, where they both passed away on the same day a month after their arrival.

Towards the end of 2005, the zoo's north gate was closed due to declining visitor numbers. Consequently, some northern sections of the zoo were repurposed for residential development. The long-serving Director, Vaclav Ceska, was removed from his position, and plans were initiated to revitalize public interest in the Saarbrücken Zoo.

Since 2008, the zoo has undergone numerous improvements. These enhancements include the renovation of animal enclosures and the establishment of partnerships with financing sponsors to support ongoing development and maintenance.