Gera/Gotha/Erfurt/Suhl (dpa/th) - The animal parks and zoos in Thuringia are planning numerous modernization works in the new year. This was the result of a survey of the zoos in Gera, Gotha, Suhl and the zoo in Erfurt.
In Gotha Zoo, for example, many outdated facilities are to be refurbished in order to be able to offer the animals more space, said Frederik Linti, director of the zoo. The new facility for the pygmy otters should be ready next year. According to Linti, the Bennet kangaroos are also moving to a new area. "We are also renovating the old otter house and transforming it into a night animal house." Gothaer Tierpark had around 100,000 visitors this year.
The Suhl zoo expects around 60,000 visitors by the end of the year. "We are very happy that many regular guests remain loyal to us and that the zoo is still a popular destination for vacationers," said zoo director Andrea Bache. In the coming year, the zoo wants to intensify its commitment to keeping and breeding endangered breeds of domestic animals. The expansion of the terrarium is also in preparation.
The Gera Zoo expects almost 175,000 visitors a year. This means that the pre-corona level was significantly exceeded by around 20,000 guests. The visitors perceive that the zoo with its forest character is modernizing and developing, according to Gera. In 2023, among other things, paths are to be repaired and various enclosures expanded. Modernization work also continued on the park railway.
The Thuringian Zoopark in Erfurt - which made headlines this year with numerous problems such as a decline in visitors, a lot of criticism and the death of several large animals - is starting the new year with a new management team. The new aviary should be completely renovated by spring. Preparations were also underway to expand the former macaw aviary so that the gray parrots Bruno and Bärbel can move back into their home.
In the spring, the swamp wallabies should also move into their new enclosure, the Erfurt Zoo said. According to the information, planning for an education center in the zoo park with an attached overnight stay will also begin next year. One million euros in municipal funds are available for this project, which are to be supplemented by subsidies.
