Germany's Third Largest Scientific Zoo

Expansive Northern Erfurt Location Located on the Red Mountain in northern Erfurt, the Thuringian Zoo covers almost 63 hectares, making it the third largest scientifically managed zoo in Germany. This expansive facility houses more than 1,000 animals from 157 species in generously designed enclosures modeled after natural habitats.

Natural Habitat Philosophy The zoo's special features include many spacious enclosures designed to replicate the animals' natural environments. Communal keeping of different species has become increasingly important, creating more natural ecosystem dynamics. Many facilities are walk-through, allowing visitors to experience direct encounters with animals.

Conservation Leadership The Thuringian Zoo is strongly committed to species conservation and actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species. The facility serves as both an educational institution and a conservation center, contributing to international efforts to protect threatened wildlife.

Educational Excellence With comprehensive educational programs, guided tours, and interactive experiences, the zoo serves as an important educational resource for the region. School programs and specialized tours provide in-depth learning opportunities about wildlife conservation and animal behavior.

Family-Friendly Features Recognized as a family destination, the zoo offers children's farms, adventure playgrounds, multiple dining options, and extensive recreational facilities that make it ideal for full-day family visits.

Expansive Elephant Sanctuary

Naturalistic African Habitat The elephant complex represents one of the zoo's most impressive facilities, featuring extensive outdoor areas, swimming facilities, and specialized indoor quarters that provide year-round comfort for the African elephant herd.

Facility Features:

Large Outdoor Enclosures - Multiple acres of roaming space with varied terrain
Swimming and Bathing Areas - Essential water features for elephant health and enrichment
Specialized Indoor Facilities - Climate-controlled spaces for medical care and winter comfort
Elevated Viewing Areas - Multiple observation points for optimal visitor experience
Educational Displays - Information about elephant conservation and behavior

Conservation Focus: The facility emphasizes African elephant conservation, habitat protection, and the challenges facing wild populations due to poaching and habitat loss.

Interactive Experience: Scheduled feeding demonstrations and educational presentations help visitors understand elephant intelligence, social behavior, and conservation needs.

Direct Animal Encounters

Unique Walk-Through Experience One of the zoo's most distinctive features, these walk-through enclosures allow visitors to enter animal habitats and experience close encounters with various species in naturalistic settings.

Available Experiences:

Monkey Habitats - Walk among various primate species in forest-like environments
Kangaroo Encounters - Share space with Australian marsupials in open grassland
Free-Roaming Birds - Experience avian species in flight within large enclosures
Small Mammal Areas - Interactive experiences with domesticated and semi-domesticated species

Safety and Education: All walk-through experiences are carefully managed with trained staff supervision and educational guidance to ensure both visitor safety and animal welfare.

Conservation Message: These immersive experiences help visitors develop deeper connections with wildlife and understand the importance of habitat protection and species conservation.

African Predator Experience

Naturalistic Lion Habitat The big cat territory features expansive enclosures designed to replicate African savannah conditions, providing lions and other big cats with natural hunting, resting, and social environments.

Habitat Design:

Large Territory Areas - Extensive space for natural behaviors and exercise
Varied Terrain - Hills, rocks, and vegetation mimicking African landscapes
Multiple Viewing Points - Safe observation areas throughout the perimeter
Enrichment Features - Environmental elements encouraging natural behaviors
Separate Areas - Individual spaces for different species and breeding management

Lion Pride Dynamics: Visitors can observe natural lion social behavior, including pride interactions, territorial marking, and parental care when cubs are present.

Educational Focus: Presentations highlight lion conservation challenges in Africa, human-wildlife conflict, and the importance of protected areas for big cat survival.

Thuringian Zoo Erfurt

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Germany's Third Largest Scientific Zoo

Attractions in Thuringian Zoo Erfurt

African Elephant Complex

Expansive Elephant Sanctuary

Walk-Through Animal Encounters

Direct Animal Encounters

Lion and Big Cat Territory

African Predator Experience