Zoo Leipzig
Discover Leipzig's wildlife at Zoo Leipzig. Explore realms like Founder's Garden, Gondwanaland, and more. Dive into a captivating setting with diverse species.
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About Zoo Leipzig
Leipzig Zoo, established in 1878, is one of Germany’s most esteemed conservation hubs. While they are primarily renowned for their naturalistic animal enclosure, they are dedicated to spreading awareness about unfair animal breeding practices, poaching, and environmental issues. Enjoy their interactive exhibits and learn more about endangered ecosystems and interesting facts about a number of diverse species.
The pathway through the Gondwanaland aviary wasn't built entirely by humans. The zoo authorities provided a special kind of mesh netting, and the ingenious Greater Ani (a type of bird) wove their nests within the structure, creating a truly natural and dynamic habitat for themselves and other bird species.
Leipzig Zoo does not just care for mammals but is also actively involved in amphibian conservation efforts. Their dedicated team has established a breeding program for the critically endangered Kihansi Spray Toad, a unique amphibian found only in Tanzania.
At Leipzig, animals are not trained to entertain visitors. The animal experts and behavioral researchers use positive reinforcement techniques to build trust with the animals, allowing for easier veterinary checkups. These training sessions also stimulate their senses and encourage them to act as they would in their original habitat.
Leipzig Zoo houses Pongoland, one of the world’s first leading research facilities for apes, chimpanzees, and orangutans. It was established in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
Leipzig Zoo is famous for its modern, high-quality facilities, but it has also preserved some historic parts of the zoo. For example, the Aquarium building, built in 1910, has been carefully integrated with the zoo's newer areas. This historic building still retains its old brick facades and arched windows, giving it an almost museum-like appearance.
Why visit Zoo Leipzig?
Plan your visit
Main entrance (Hauptbahnhof)
Leipzig Zoo’s main entrance is a short walk from the central train station and directly leads towards the Founder’s Garden and Pongoland. The main entrance is marked by an imposing gatehouse, made of stone and brick. The gate features a prominent ‘elephant’ logo, a part of the zoo’s official name, which makes it easily recognizable. You will also find a ticket booth and an information center at the main gate, often with long lines of visitors.
Gondwanaland entrance
The Gondwanaland entrance, as its name suggests, is directly adjacent to the tropical exhibits. Follow along the zoo’s information signs to reach this gate. If you are coming from the outside, walk along Pfaffendorfer Straße and turn onto Parthenstraße to spot this gate. The entrance features large models of tropical plants and animals. Look out for a more contemporary gate design as compared to the main entrance. This entrance is slightly less busy than the Hauptbahnhof entrance.
- On October 31, for the occasion of Halloween, the Leipzig Zoo is open from 9am to 8pm.
- On December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Year's Eve), Leipzig is open from 9am to 3pm.
- The Carnagon photo services at Leipzig are open from March to October.
Souvenirladen Zoo Leipzig, situated inside the zoo premises, sells a number of stuffed animals, miniatures, stationery, clothes, and snowglobes, which you can buy as mementos to remember your visit.
There are several dining outlets inside the Leipzig Zoo, offering a variety of local and international cuisine. The Kiwara Lodge is known for their African dishes, while Palmensaal offers a mix of appetizers and mains in an elegant setting. The Bamboo Bar, Bear Castle Cafe, and Restaurant Patakan are other dining options you can try on your visit to the Leipzig Zoo.
There are 24-hour parking spaces opposite to the zoo's main entrance with around 1375 spaces. You can park your car in any of these spots.
You will find a visitor information center at the main entrance of the Leipzig Zoo. Here, you can enquire about feeding times, visiting hours, directions to any specific exhibit you want to explore, and other details.
At any of the zoo's dining outlets, you will find free Wi-Fi facilities for your convenience.
If you require wheelchairs upon arrival, you can hire them free of charge against a deposit. We recommend booking them in advance before your visit.
Visitors with wheelchairs can easily navigate around the premises. There are wide paths and ramps, suitable for strollers or buggies. There are separate disabled parking lots. You will also find restaurants offering priority services and accessible restroom facilities to visitors with limited mobility.
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