Historic Mausoleum Zoo in UNESCO World Heritage Setting

Royal Heritage and Natural Beauty Founded in 1958 as an educational park for animal and plant studies, Dessau Zoo occupies 11 hectares surrounding the historic 19th-century mausoleum of the Dukes of Anhalt. This unique setting creates one of Germany's most historically significant zoological environments, where 500 animals from 120 species live among rare trees and over 1,000 labeled plant specimens.

Botanical Excellence Integration The zoo's remarkable integration of zoological and botanical education features over 125 labeled tree species, creating a living laboratory where understanding of the animal world enhances environmental comprehension. This approach makes the facility both a traditional zoo and an outdoor botanical classroom.

South American and Australian Focus Specializing in animals from South America and Australia, the zoo provides visitors with unique insights into these biogeographically significant regions while maintaining important European species conservation programs and endangered domestic breed preservation.

UNESCO World Heritage Context Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site boundaries, the zoo benefits from its proximity to the Georgengarten and forms part of Dessau's comprehensive cultural and natural heritage experience, including the famous Bauhaus sites.