@ralph
I liked it! I’m always a bit sceptical about smaller zoos, especially after visiting Tierpark Bischofswerda, which just made me feel sad for the animals. But Tierpark Gotha pleasantly surprised me!
The park was clean and well-maintained. Several enclosures were more than adequate, and most animals were kept in pairs or small groups, which made the smaller exhibits feel more appropriate — even though some are still admittedly a bit too small. There was no overcrowding in any of the enclosures.
I’m not sure how things have been in the long run, but you can tell they’re slowly working on upgrading the park, with new fences, aviaries, and other improvements.
The only thing that disappointed me a bit is that they barely have any aviary birds left, and most of the old aviaries have been taken down.
Thanks. Since I wasn't able to make it to Erfurt due to railway problems, I will have to return there within the next few years as its one of the few interesting German zoos I have yet to visit (Schwerin, Rostock, Neuwied, Rheine and Nordhorn are the others). Gotha seems like a good place to combine it with.
(My original plan was Erfurt + Zella-Mehlis, but I did manage to visit the latter)
I do enjoy mixing up the smaller zoos with larger ones as they both have their perks.
Bischofswerda is another small zoo that didn't make the cut, so I'm somewhat relieved I don't seem to have missed out on much.
