“Ever wonder what secrets a small zoo in Saxony holds?” asks a voice from the trees. I am here to tell you about the Tierpark Freiberg. This zoological garden is nestled southwest of Freiberg’s old town. It sits comfortably between Goethestraße, Chemnitzer Straße, Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Straße and Lessingstraße.
Tierpark Freiberg is not expansive. It covers approximately three hectares. Yet, within this space lives about 160 animals. These animals represent around twelve different species. In 2018, the Tierpark Freiberg welcomed roughly 25,000 visitors. That’s quite a crowd for a place that doesn’t charge admission.
What kind of creatures can you expect to meet here? Damwild roam here. Mufflons graze peacefully. You can chuckle at the antics of Göttinger Minischweine. More exotic residents include Amazon parrots and grey parrots. Rosella parakeets add splashes of color. The Tierpark Freiberg houses red foxes and Asian peacocks. Skudden also call this home. They are an old German breed of domestic sheep. This is a contribution to the conservation of endangered domestic animal breeds.
The Tierpark Freiberg also serves as a reception point. It takes in exotic animals found in central Saxony. Often, these creatures have been abandoned by their owners. The Tierpark Freiberg provides appropriate care through a transfer agreement.
Here’s a heartwarming detail you may not expect. During summer, from May to October some goats and kids participate in animal-assisted therapy. They visit dementia patients in nursing homes.
Let’s talk about finances. In 2019, the city allocated 250,000 euros to the Tierpark Freiberg. Generous donors added over 36,000 euros in donations. This generosity helps keep the Tierpark Freiberg running smoothly. The park is managed by Peter Heinrich, who was born in 1962. In 2017, four permanent employees worked at the Tierpark Freiberg.
The Tierpark Freiberg has humble beginnings. In 1958, the National Reconstruction Program of the GDR began transforming a large part of Johannispark into a “Culture and Pioneer Park”. The initial plans were modest. They included accommodations for deer, a bird aviary, and a waterfowl house. The foundation stone was laid in 1959. Soon, the “Ernst Thälmann” Pioneer Organization took over management. The park was inaugurated in 1961. By the 1980s, it housed nearly 200 animals from 40 species. The adjacent rose garden hosted Tierpark Freiberg concerts.
The Tierpark Freiberg has seen continuous improvement. The first step occurred in 2003 with the remodeling of the duck pond. Major renovations took place in 2010 and 2011. These included renovating the main paths, modernizing the functional building, and installing public restrooms.
The Förderverein Freiberger Tierpark e. V., the supporting association was founded on October 30, 2015. Their goal is to expand the zoo in a family-friendly way. They also strive to keep admission free. By the end of 2016, the association had nearly 70 members. Between 2016 and 2017, the “Bambini” petting zoo was established. It features enclosures for guinea pigs and rabbits, plus an aviary for budgies. In 2017, a new pheasant facility was built in the Tierpark Freiberg.
In July 2018, staff opened a renovated aviary for exotic birds. It measures 90 square meters. Plans were made to integrate the rose garden. This would significantly expand the Tierpark Freiberg. A combined enclosure for alpacas and nandus is planned.
Visiting the Tierpark Freiberg is more than just a walk. It’s a chance to connect with animals. It is also a lesson in community support. Come and witness the charm for yourself. See how a small zoological garden plays a big role in Freiberg.