Germany’s Zoo Leipzig Opens New Children’s Playground Today

Today, July 3, Germany’s Zoo Leipzig opens a new playground for children built by Künstlerische Holzgestaltung Bergmann (cf. EAP, issue 6/2014). Formerly used as an enclosure for bears, kids will from now on have the possibility to play and climb on a 40 by 40 meter area. As the zoo could not ensure adequate animal welfare in the outdated bear enclosure any longer, it closed the enclosure in early 2012 and started to rebuild it as “Bärenburg” playground. Now five exciting theme areas include various playing devices which impart knowledge e.g. about the evolutionary theory. Located in the center of the playground, a 12 meter tall dragon-shaped climbing structure is the highlight of the new complex. Moreover, the area offers service facilities and a café. “We want to offer one of the nicest children’s playgrounds in Central Germany”, zoo director Prof. Jörg Junhold comments. Today, the zoo will open the new attraction together with 1,000 children. According to the operator, an investment volume of around 4.5 million Euro was necessary to realize the project. (eap)