Inventory at Chemnitz Zoo
First review of 2013 and first outlook for 2014 - tip for Christmas presents
2013 is not quite over yet, but we would like to take stock at this point. As at 30 November 2013, 56 mammal, 57 bird, 11 reptile, 57 amphibian and five fish species were kept in the zoo and wildlife enclosure. Several species are new to the population, including the southern armadillo, Edwards' pheasant, ostrich quail, blue-throated bluebird (these three species are still in quarantine, behind the scenes so to speak), spotted racing frog and orange-eyed tree frog. Other new arrivals were a female emu, a donkey mare, two female kangaroos and, of course, sloth bear Bodo, who initially caused quite a stir in the bear-monkey flat. The female pygmy hippopotamus offspring Mafalda travelled to Cyprus.
Among the hoofed animals, a number of young were born, including Somali wild ass, domestic donkey, Przewalksi horse, kulan, bison, West Caucasian ibex and, for the first time, the colourful dwarf goats. Other offspring were born, including kangaroos, meerkats and Carpathian lynxes. There were also hatchings of Dajal thrushes, sun rails, bearded birds, steppe eagles, blue-eared honeyeaters, white-crested jaybirds, white-cheeked turacos, bicoloured fruit doves and barn owls, among others. Breeding endeavours in the vivarium were also successful, with the young of eleven species growing up here, e.g. the terrible poison dart frog, the Amazonian and Brazilian treecreeper, the Burmese crocodile newt and the Siamese brown frog.
A male Chinese giant salamander has been loaned to Dresden Zoo for the purpose of a breeding partnership, where a female animal lives. In this way, both zoos hope to contribute to the conservation of this endangered species, which is only kept in a few European zoos. It is rarely possible to breed Chinese giant salamanders. So far, the Saxon project has gone well.
Work on the zoo grounds - anniversary in the wildlife enclosure: Work on the cat ring, which began last year, and the renovation of the social and sanitary building, which has been ongoing for several years, continued. The latter will be completed shortly. The dome light above the spider monkey enclosure was also replaced, which had become necessary due to rain. During this time, the animals could not be observed by visitors. The zoo's friends' association, Tierparkfreunde Chemnitz e. V., provided 60,000 euros for the conversion of the cat ring. Sparkasse Chemnitz, together with the Morgenpost and the Friends of the Zoo, is launching an appeal for donations for the renovation of the deer enclosure.
A total of 29 full-time employees work in the zoo and game enclosure. In September, two trainees started their apprenticeships at the zoo. The zoo also offered a voluntary ecological year for the first time this year.
In May, the Oberrabenstein Wildlife Park celebrated its 40th birthday. The facility, in which only European species live in spacious and natural enclosures, has been part of the zoo since 1995. Speaking of anniversaries, the zoo in the Nevoigtstraße area will also be celebrating a milestone birthday in 2014: the facility is turning 50 and, according to zoo director Dr Anja Dube, activities and an anniversary animal park festival are planned throughout the year. More detailed information on the anniversary year at Chemnitz Zoo will be presented separately in the new year and will also be published on the zoo's website at www.tierpark-chemnitz.de.
Fixed dates at the zoo: The traditional events also took place again in 2013: Invitations were sent out for the zoo and children's festival and the "Dreamnight at the zoo", an evening for disabled and chronically ill children. The DRK blood donation day organised in the zoo grounds is also an important fixed date. Last but not least, the zoo took part in the "750 years of Reichenbrand" parade with a float.
And if you are still looking for an attractive Christmas present: Vouchers, annual passes and calendars for 2014 are available to purchase at the ticket office in the zoo during opening hours. Admission tickets or annual passes can also be sent to you on request (order on 0371 850028 or by e-mail tierpark(at)stadt-chemnitz.de).
Sponsorships can also be purchased through the Friends of Chemnitz Zoo Association - further information can be found at www.tierparkfreunde-chemnitz.de
Tierparkand Wildgatter at Christmas and New Year's Eve: Visitors to the Tierpark and Wildgatter should note that both facilities close their gates at 2 pm on 24 December and 31 December 2013, with the last admission to the Tierpark at 1 pm.
Winter opening hours of the zoo: 9 am to 4 pm, last admission 3 pm
Winter opening hours of the wildlife park: 8 am to 4 pm.
Zoo on the net:www.tierpark-chemnitz.de