Zoo Landau

Located just a stone's throw away from the bustling heart of Landau in der Pfalz, Zoo Landau is a delightful oasis that promises an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Officially known as Zoo Landau in der Pfalz, this charming zoo is nestled adjacent to the historic fortifications of Landau, making it a convenient and attractive destination for both locals and tourists.

A Rich History

The story of Zoo Landau began in 1904 when the Vogelfreund association took over the site and constructed the first aviaries. The zoo has been under the city's ownership since 1920 and has undergone significant transformations over the decades. Despite the devastation caused by World War II, the zoo was meticulously rebuilt, and by 1949, new structures such as the free-flight hall, initially a plant exhibition house, were erected.

Under the directorship of Karl Gräf from 1954 to 1961 and his successor Roland Schneider, the zoo saw the construction of the primate and warm house. In 1973, veterinarian Rudolf Spengler became the director, transforming the zoo into its current form. The zoo's area was expanded by two hectares in 1990, and under the leadership of Bernhard Neurohr and later Jens-Ove Heckel, the zoo has continued to modernize and emphasize conservation, education, and research.

Exploring Zoo Landau

Zoo Landau is home to a diverse array of animals and exhibits, each designed to provide an enriching experience for visitors. The primate and warm house is a highlight, featuring species such as the brown-headed spider monkey and the critically endangered Madagascar flat-tailed tortoise, the only individuals of their kind in a European zoo. This exhibit also houses invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, often in mixed enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.

The parrot house and adjacent free-flight hall are a must-see, showcasing species like the yellow-throated francolin, Fischer's turaco, and Ecuadorian Amazon parrots. The free-flight hall includes a re-socialization aviary for African grey parrots and an open aviary with waterfowl such as the Cape thick-knee and hammerkop. The walk-through spoonbill aviary and the breeding aviaries for endangered bird species, opened in 2016, are also notable attractions.

Another fascinating area is the African savannah exhibit, home to various hoofed animals like brush-eared pigs, Watusi cattle, Hartmann's mountain zebras, and southern wildebeests. Meerkats can also be found here, delighting visitors with their playful antics.

Conservation and Education

Zoo Landau is not just a place for recreation; it plays a crucial role in conservation and education. The zoo partners with several organizations, including the IUCN's Countdown 2010: Save Biodiversity initiative and the Foundation for Species Conservation. It supports projects like Pro Lynx, Aktion Pfalzstorch, and the EAZA campaign Madagascar - Arovako i Madagasikara.

The zoo is also involved in the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), working to protect Ghanaian rainforests and combat bushmeat hunting. It collaborates with the Fundación Otway to protect Humboldt penguins in Chile and supports efforts to preserve the juniper and boxwood forests of Djibouti through Djibouti Nature. The Voronosy project aims to protect Madagascar's wetlands and their avian inhabitants, such as the blue-eyed ibis, while the zoo also helps safeguard various Philippine species, including the Prince Alfred deer.

The Zoo School

A unique feature of Zoo Landau is its Zoo School, a collaboration with the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Campus Landau. Established in 1992, the Zoo School offers year-round educational programs for kindergarteners and schoolchildren of all ages. It also organizes workshops, birthday parties, and special events like zoo safaris, picture book cinema, and evening tours. Special programs are available for sick and disabled individuals, as well as adults and seniors.

The Zoo School is dedicated to education for sustainable development, combining environmental education with development policy education. It adheres to the Agenda 21 principle of think globally, act locally, introducing children to global interconnections and complex structures. The Zoo School's efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including accolades from the UN Decade Education for Sustainable Development. In 2023, Gudrun Hollstein, the long-serving head of the Zoo School, was honored with the Rhineland-Palatinate Order of Merit for her contributions.

In conclusion, Zoo Landau is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers much more than just a chance to see animals. Its commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement makes it a standout attraction in Landau in der Pfalz. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, a trip to Zoo Landau promises a memorable and enriching experience for all.