Görlitz Zoo

Tierpark Görlitz is a 5-hectare zoo founded in 1957 in the eastern German city of Görlitz. Its history dates back to the post-war period when, in 1957, the City Council decided to establish a zoo on the grounds of the People's Park, which had previously been the garden of the Raupach family. In the early years of operation, a bear enclosure, a pony stable, and enclosures for wild boars and deer were built. Subsequent years brought further development of the facility—in 1958, terrariums, an aviary for pheasants, and a children's wading pool were constructed. During the 1970s, the zoo enjoyed great popularity, attracting 200,000 to 300,000 visitors annually. However, in the 1980s, this number began to decline, dropping to 100,000 in the 1990s after German reunification. Faced with the threat of closure, residents established the Naturschutz-Tierpark Görlitz e.V. association in 1995, which took over the management of the zoo. Today, Tierpark Görlitz is home to 500 animals representing 77 species, including more valuable species such as goitered gazelles, Alpine ibexes, Pallas's cats, red pandas, and Eurasian lynxes. The zoo is a member of both the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Architecturally, the zoo combines elements typical of zoological gardens with a natural landscape, making it animal- and visitor-friendly. Tierpark Görlitz integrates educational and cultural aspects, promoting awareness of nature conservation and biodiversity.