Leipzig Zoo Entry Ticket

Leipzig Zoo: from 1878 to a zoo of the future

Leipzig Zoo opened in 1878 and is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Germany. Since the early 2000s it has been rebuilt under a long-term plan called Zoo of the Future, which replaced old cages with large landscapes grouped by continent. Today the animals live in six themed worlds: Gondwanaland, Pongoland, Asia, Africa, South America and the historic Founders' Garden, where some of the original buildings still stand.

The zoo takes part in international breeding programmes for endangered species and works with researchers on animal behaviour, so a visit is about more than seeing animals. If you are wondering whether Leipzig Zoo is worth visiting, it regularly ranks among the best zoos in Europe, and most visitors need a full day to see everything without rushing.

Gondwanaland: the tropical hall

Gondwanaland is the showpiece of Leipzig Zoo, a giant tropical hall opened in 2011 under a vast transparent roof. Inside, the temperature stays warm and humid all year, and paths lead through a jungle of tall trees, waterfalls and hanging plants representing the rainforests of Africa, Asia and South America. A treetop walkway lets you look down into the canopy, and rope bridges cross small ravines.

Animals here include pygmy hippos, tapirs, Malayan tigers, otters, monkeys, crocodiles and colourful birds that move freely among the trees. Plan at least an hour for Gondwanaland and come early, because it is the most popular part of the zoo in the afternoon. On cold winter days it is the perfect place to warm up, and it is a highlight for children.

Pongoland, Asia and Africa

Pongoland is one of the largest great-ape facilities in the world and the only place where you can see all four great ape species together: chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. Their indoor and outdoor enclosures are designed like forest clearings, and a research centre here studies how the apes learn and use tools. The separate Gorilla Trek, a path with closer views of the gorillas, can be bought on site.

In the Asia world, the Ganesha Mandir elephant temple houses an elephant family with a large bathing pool, and the Tiger Taiga and Himalaya areas show Amur tigers, snow leopards and red pandas. The African savanna, Kiwara, brings together giraffes, zebras and antelopes on an open plain, with lions watching nearby and hippos in their own house. Allow two to three hours for these three worlds.

Planning your visit: getting there and opening hours

How to get to Leipzig Zoo: the main entrance is at Pfaffendorfer Straße 29, about 15 minutes on foot from Leipzig Central Station, and several tram lines stop at the Zoo stop right beside it. The ticket is valid for one day and you can enter from 09:00; closing time varies with the season, earlier in winter and later in summer, so check the Leipzig Zoo opening hours for your date before you go.

The best time to visit Leipzig Zoo is in the morning, when the animals are active and the paths quieter. Spring and summer bring young animals and long evenings, while winter is calm and the warm halls keep you comfortable. Leipzig Zoo tickets cover all six worlds, but not the Gorilla Trek, guided tours or food. Cafés and snack stands are spread around the grounds.