Chemnitz Zoo is parting with its Amur tiger, Volodya
Today, the Amur tiger Volodya is moving from Chemnitz Zoo to AquaZoo Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, in accordance with the recommendation of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). There, he will live alongside the Amur tiger Aida. This means that Chemnitz Zoo is temporarily saying goodbye to its big cats.
Amur tigers are among the most critically endangered big cats in the world. To maintain a genetically healthy reserve population and support international species conservation, their husbandry and breeding are coordinated within the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The Amur tiger Wolodja was born in 2015 and arrived in Chemnitz in 2017.
The move to Leeuwarden will take place in a transport crate. To this end, the tiger was first anaesthetised by a vet this morning and then placed in the crate using a special transport sheet. This opportunity was also used to carry out a general health check, including a blood test. The anaesthesia is kept as short as possible; the animal will be conscious during the journey.
Although the existing big cat enclosure at Chemnitz Zoo meets the current husbandry requirements, a fundamental reorganisation and extensive construction work are necessary to ensure it can meet the demands of modern, sustainable big cat care in the long term.
Over the past few months, intensive assessments have been carried out to determine whether these construction measures could be implemented in individual phases. However, this is neither structurally feasible nor compatible with animal welfare standards. Furthermore, as funding for the comprehensive redesign has not yet been secured, the zoo has decided to temporarily suspend the keeping of big cats. This decision was taken in close consultation with the Förderverein Tierfreunde Chemnitz e. V., which actively monitors and supports the zoo’s long-term development.
It was a very difficult decision for us to say goodbye to Volodya for the time being. He is a magnificent animal and has delighted many visitors. At the same time, we feel it is our responsibility to ensure both his welfare and that the requirements of modern zoo management are met.
The zoo’s aim is to construct a new big cat enclosure as soon as possible, one that meets current requirements for animal welfare, safety and sustainable, species-appropriate care. In the long term, the plan is for Chemnitz Zoo to once again play an active role in the European Breeding Programme.
Part of the existing tiger enclosure is to be used for another species until the planned refurbishment takes place. Discussions are currently underway to decide which species this will be.
Opening hours (April to September)
Chemnitz Zoo: daily, 9 am to 7 pm
Oberrabenstein Wildlife Reserve: daily, 9 am to 6 pm
Last admission and ticket office closes one hour before closing time