Tierpark: Successful breeding of a rare amphibian species
Chemnitz Zoo has been keeping the rare species of Danube crested newt since 2021. Since then, 23 animals have already been bred. Amphibians are considered the most endangered class of vertebrates in the world. With its regular breeding of various species, the zoo makes an important contribution to the conservation of amphibians.
The vivarium at Chemnitz Zoo is home to over 80 different amphibian species. These include many rarities, i.e. species that are rarely exhibited in zoological institutions or can only rarely be found in the wild. The Danube crested newt belongs to both categories. This tailed newt species, which is native to south-east Europe, is only exhibited in the Stein outdoor terrarium in Germany and in six other institutions across Europe.
In Austria, the Danube crested newt is classified as critically endangered on the Red List of Threatened Species and its population is declining rapidly. This is mainly due to the destruction of its habitat, especially the spawning waters are drying up. In addition, the individual populations are partly isolated from one another, meaning that no genetic exchange can take place. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine also has an impact on the species' population numbers. Following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine, hundreds of dead Danube Crested Newts from a relict population in the Dnipro were washed up on the shores of the Black Sea. Several dozen animals were rescued and are currently being cared for at Odessa Zoo.
Opening hours in summer:
| Zoo: | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., last admission 6 p.m. |
| Wildlife enclosure: | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission 5 p.m. |