Leipzig Zoological Garden, Leipzig

Leipzig Zoological Garden, commonly known as Leipzig Zoo, is a renowned zoo located in the Mitte district of Leipzig. Established on June 9, 1878, and taken over by the city of Leipzig in 1920, the zoo now spans about 27 hectares (67 acres) and is home to approximately 850 species. By 2020, the zoo featured six themed worlds, each designed to provide natural habitats suited to the diverse species on display.

Internationally recognized for its impressive building projects, Leipzig Zoo boasts attractions like Pongoland, a large primate habitat housing gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, and Gondwanaland, the world's second-largest indoor rainforest hall, covering 1.65 hectares (4.1 acres). The zoo has achieved significant success in breeding programs, including over 2,000 lions, 250 rare Siberian tigers, and other carnivores such as bears. It is often referred to as the "Zoo of the Future" and is ranked as the best zoo in Germany and the second-best in Europe, following Vienna.

The zoo's themed worlds include the Founder's Garden, Gondwanaland, Asia, Pongoland, Africa, and South America. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, Leipzig Zoo emphasizes species conservation and creates spacious environments that closely mimic the natural habitats of the animals. The zoo also offers educational tours and special events for visitors.

Gondwanaland, which opened in 2010, is a massive greenhouse covering 16,500 square meters (178,000 sq ft), larger than two football pitches. It replicates a tropical climate and houses 170 exotic animal species and around 500 plant species from Africa, Asia, and South America. Visitors can explore the treetop trail with squirrel monkeys leaping nearby or take a small boat ride for a unique view of the habitat.

Among the rare species in Gondwanaland are the eastern quoll, a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia, and the critically endangered Chinese pangolin, almost extinct in the wild. Indian elephants, another highlight of this theme world, enjoy a dedicated swimming pool, complete with an underwater visitor gallery, allowing a close-up view of these majestic animals.