Are youadventurous and love to travel? Then you’ve come to the right place. From a strawberry-themed amusement park to Germany’s only bat museum with a historic ice cellar —we’ve got plenty of ideas for family outings for those who love exploring together. Today we’re adding another highlight to the list: the Leipzig Zoo. It ranks among Europe’s most renowned zoos and is one of Germany’s most popular destinations. Founded in 1878, the zoo has been following its “Zoo of the Future” master plan for more than 25 years. As part of this concept, the grounds are being gradually transformed into natural habitats, combining modern animal care, species conservation, and unique visitor experiences.
Today , the zoo covers an area of 27 hectares, including 2.1 hectares of water. It is home to around 6,300 animals representing approximately 650 different species. With around 1.8 million visitors in 2024 and approximately 260 employees, the zoo ranks among Germany’s largest and most successful zoological institutions.
The zoo is divided into six distinct experience worlds that take visitors on a journey across different continents. In Gondwanaland, a vast tropical experience world awaits you, featuring a dense rainforest, free-flying birds, exotic plants, and a boat ride through the jungle. Pongoland is one of the largest and most modern great ape enclosures in the world and is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans. In the Kiwara Savannah, you’ll encounter African animal species such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in expansive enclosures. The Asia experience zone impresses visitors with attractions including the Ganesha Mandir elephant temple and the Tiger Taiga. The historic Gründer Garden is home to leopards and flamingos, among other animals, while the South America theme area delights visitors with anteaters, maned wolves, and many other species.
Leipzig Zoo is particularly well-known for its extraordinary exhibits and its commitment to species conservation. Gondwanaland is one of the largest indoor tropical halls in Europe, while Pongoland is internationally regarded as one of the most modern great ape enclosures. In addition, the zoo is the only facility in Germany that houses pangolins and has been keeping these rare animals longer than any other in Europe. Furthermore, the zoo maintains international studbooks for species including Amur tigers and maned wolves. Since its opening, more than 2,300 lions, 370 Amur tigers, and 75 sloth bears have been born here. In total, the zoo participates in international conservation breeding programs involving more than 96 animal species and invests approximately one million euros annually in species conservation projects worldwide.
Leipzig Zoo also enjoys an excellent reputation internationally. In the latest ranking by British zoo expert Anthony Sheridan, it ranks second among European zoos and is thus considered Germany’s highest-rated zoo. In recent years, the zoo has been continuously expanded. The new terrarium opened in 2025, and two new walk-through bird habitats—Amazonia and the Loriversum—will follow in 2026. In addition, the zoo is currently working on the new “Tierra del Fuego” habitat, where sea lions and penguins will be on display in the future .
The zoo is open 365 days a year. Regular opening hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though they may vary slightly depending on the season. It’s located at Pfaffendorfer Straße 29 in Leipzig and is only about a 15-minute walk from Leipzig Central Station. This makes it easily accessible on foot, by tram, or by car.
