Tierpark Dessau Tierpark Dessau news

Last year the zoo received 137.406 visitors of which 130.639 visited the zoo together with 2.449 dogs. The other 6767 visitors were "cultural guests" who only came to the Dessau Zoo for the events at the Anhaltisches Theater Dessau, the Dessau Summer Cinema and the cultural events in the Dessau Mausoleum.

Source:
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (10/01/2024)
 
Visited today, somewhat by accident by virtue of staying in accommodation next door and not being able to resist the offer of another continental zoo.

Tierpark Dessau is set in the Beckerbuch, Dessau’s largest public park, within the grounds of the Mausoleum, a very impressive domed building, surrounded by a lake, constructed in 1898 and possessing an incredible height of 45 metres. Surely one of the most impressive buildings at any zoo in the world, but far from the only example of delightful architecture in Dessau, with seemingly random towers, balconies and houses all being great examples of High Renaissance German architecture and predating the zoo itself (1958).

I was delighted to see a Manchurian Black Bear (as I couldn’t see any others, I assume the two brothers have already left and that this is the female, Anastasia) my first ever encounter with any subspecies of Asiatic Black, and thus the sighting that brings my total number of bear species seen to 8/8. Not realising that the zoo held bears until my arrival at the gates, where many banners proudly advertised them, this was a treat, even though my sighting wasn’t of the highest quality, with her lying down within her den, her signature white belly and occasional head movements confirming what we were seeing. I also saw my first Jungle Cats, with the melanistic individuals here looking very similar to black house cats, my first ever Amur Leopard Cat, my first Yellow-toothed Cavy and my first European Beaver. After many years of searching for the latter in the wild, seeing them for the first time in a zoo felt like something of an anti-climax, but I got great views of them feeding indoors, and they are as adorable as animals can get.

In terms of exhibitry, what impressed me most were the walkthrough aviaries. A small European Wetlands aviary had a wave machine in the pond delightful for the many ducks, avocets and gulls, as well as for visitors looking to relax to some pleasant background noise! The Manchuria aviary, with a huge Red-crowned Crane, was also a treat, as not many places allow you to be in the same space with such huge birds. Although the species selection in the Australia aviary (Cockatiels and Budgies) was dull, the sheer numbers were quite impressive. It reminded me quite a lot of the one at Magdeburg. All of the hoofsrock had very sizable fields, which was impressive for such a small zoo. In particular, the wooded Reindeer paddock is probably the largest that I have seen. The beavers had underwater viewing and the bears had a great selection of climbing equipment, with only the Snow Leopard enclosure feeling a little disappointing.

As far as general observations go, I was quite impressed by how well-stocked all the enclosures were for such a small zoo, with the prairie dog enclosure feeling very lively, as well as most of the aviaries, although a few parrots appeared not to have any company. Speaking of parrots, a lot of them were involved in interesting mixes with rodents, such as agouti and two species of wild guinea pig (including the rarely kept Yellow-toothed Cavy). With Pallas’ Cats, Geoffroy’s Cat, Jungle Cat, Northern Lynx and Amur Leopard Cats, it probably has one of the best collections of small cats that I have ever seen in a zoo, with Dingos and Yellow-throated Martens among others to further tempt small carnivore lovers.

In terms of news, it is difficult for me to comment as I am not sure what is already standard, but two new aviary-like enclosures were under construction either side of the entrance, and a few viewing huts were being built throughout. Strangely, despite searching what appeared to be the entire grounds, I couldn’t see any Dromedary Camels, which were a species I hadn’t seen in quite some time and very much looked forward to being reunited with. Have they left the zoo, or was I simply not searching thoroughly enough for signs? If they have left, then it is very recent, as not only does ZTL still list them, but there are banners depicting the species at the zoo’s entrance and there are multiple signposts directing visitors towards a supposed Dromedary enclosure.

Overall, Dessau is not an elite zoo, but a thoroughly charming one, with great architecture and a choice species selection to show for it. If you also happen to be staying in the area, then it is a worthwhile pilgrimage that, for just €7 per person, you will not regret.
 
In February a male Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), he was given the name Henry. This is also a zoo first breeding for Tierpark Dessau! A female Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was born last December.

In March the zoo received a new species, namely Edwards's pheasants (Lophura edwardsi).

At the end of March a female Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) was born.

Sources:
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (25/02/2025)
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (12/03/2025)
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (01/04/2025)
 
JurassicMax said:
In February a male Dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), he was given the name Henry. This is also a zoo first breeding for Tierpark Dessau! A female Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was born last December.

In March the zoo received a new species, namely Edwards's pheasants (Lophura edwardsi).

At the end of March a female Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) was born.

Sources:
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (25/02/2025)
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (12/03/2025)
Instagram of Tierpark Dessau (01/04/2025)
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Which confirms the Dromedaries are indeed still at the collection and I simply couldn't find them. :p How frustrating...

On that note, if anyone happens to visit soon, could they please inform me, in this news thread or in PM, where the camels are in the zoo? Or, better yet, find and photograph a map, as I couldn't, neither paper copies at the zoo entrance, nor on signs elsewhere. Can't find an up-to-date one with the camels online either. I was fairly certain that I had searched the entire grounds multiple times, following the signs pointing to the Dromedaries, but evidently I had left some stones unturned. :rolleyes:

Personal annoyance aside, nice to hear that the zoo has bred them for the first time.
 
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