How did a humble innkeeper transform Leipzig into a world-renowned zoological destination? This is the story of Ernst Pinkert. He was the visionary founder of the Leipzig Zoo.
In 1844, Ernst Pinkert was born in Hirschfelde. He grew up in a modest home. His father was a manual laborer. Ernst likely cultivated his passion for hospitality working for his godfather. His godfather owned the “Zum Hirsch” inn.
Pinkert moved to Leipzig in 1863. He pursued a career as a restaurateur. By 1870, he became a citizen. In 1873, he leased “Zum Pfaffendorfer Hof.” To attract more guests, he started showcasing exotic animals in 1876. He collaborated with Carl Hagenbeck, a Hamburg-based animal dealer.
On June 9, 1878, Pinkert opened his Pfaffendorfer Tierpark. It was a private venture. It occupied just over one hectare. This park was the 23rd zoo in Europe.
In 1899, Pinkert converted the zoo into a public limited company. He was appointed as a board member and director. Under his leadership, the zoo expanded significantly. New structures arose like the administration building. Further additions were the zoo entrance on Pfaffendorfer Street. Also the community center with restaurant and the concert garden came to life. The monkey house and the new predator house were further additions. Ernst Pinkert transformed Leipzig Zoo into an internationally acclaimed center. It was a place for recreation, education, science and research.
However, Pinkert’s legacy is complex. He also organized so-called “Völkerschauen”. These shows displayed people from foreign cultures. He established a “Völkerswiese” near the predator house. Later, he added a “Völkerbühne” with a jungle backdrop. In 1880, Pinkert initiated the “Bedouin Caravan” show. He even developed “Living Pictures” in 1894. These shows featured people recreating famous paintings.
After a year-long illness, Ernst Pinkert died in Leipzig in 1909. His final resting place is in the North Cemetery. It is located on Berliner Straße.
The King of Saxony granted Pinkert the title of Royal Saxon Commissioner. In 1928, a monument to Pinkert was unveiled. It stood before the New Predator House. It commemorated the zoo’s 50th anniversary. Mathieu Molitor created a bronze relief of Pinkert in profile. It was placed on a clinker brick wall with an inscription.
In 2009, a section of Erich-Weinert-Straße was renamed Ernst-Pinkert-Straße. This honored the 100th anniversary of his death. In 2010, the 25th school in Leipzig was named Ernst-Pinkert-School.
Ernst Pinkert’s parents’ house still stands in Hirschfelde. A plaque commemorates the founder of the Leipzig Zoo. It was placed there by the last owner, Milda Ulbricht, around 1999.
Ernst Pinkert’s story reminds us of the complex legacy. His vision shaped the Leipzig Zoo. He left behind a place of both wonder and controversy.