Have you ever wondered about Germany’s fourth oldest zoo? Welcome to Zoo Dresden. Right before you stands a place steeped in history and brimming with life. Established in 1861 Zoo Dresden originally was designed by Peter Joseph Lenné. It’s located on the southern edge of the Großer Garten a large city center park.
Zoo Dresden boasts approximately 3000 animals representing nearly 400 species many of them Asian. It’s a member of prestigious organizations like WAZA and EAZA. You can reach it easily via tram lines 9 and 13 or even via the charming Dresdner Parkeisenbahn a miniature railway operated by children.
Did you know Zoo Dresden even features in literature? In Saki’s “Tobermory” a character meets his end at the hands of an elephant here. Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” mentions the zoo’s devastating wartime experiences. Imagine the animals that escaped during the bombing an elephant an ape lions a bear cub and many more.
The zoo’s history is fascinating. It began in 1859 thanks to the Dresden Association for Chicken Breeding. King Johann generously provided land from the royal Great Garden. Gustav Brandes a later director transformed the zoo into a more natural species-appropriate environment laying the groundwork for its modern iteration. In 1927 Zoo Dresden gained global attention by documenting the first recorded natural rearing of an orangutan by its mother.
Explore Zoo Dresden’s unique features. The oldest surviving building a barn from 1862 still serves its original purpose. See the predator cliffs from the 1910s. These offer stunning views of the elephant and lion enclosures along with the accessible ring-tailed lemur island. The Africa House reopened in 2018 features a viewing platform for the best view of the elephants. You’ll also find the impressive Prof Brandes House home to koalas and various monkey species.
Zoo Dresden endured World War II’s devastation. Most animals and structures were destroyed. Miraculously the zoo reopened just 16 months later in June 1946. A testament to the resilience of both the city and its beloved zoo.
The zoo continues to evolve. Modern enclosures meet the highest standards of animal welfare. The Orangutan House a large scale project provides ample space for these magnificent creatures. Walk-in aviaries allow for an up close encounter with flamingos ibises and spoonbills. Zoo Dresden offers an unforgettable journey through time and nature. Enjoy your visit to this remarkable institution a true Dresdner gem.