The new theme world « Himalaya » is being built in the Augsburg Zoo

This afternoon, wild gray heron isolated on a hill of the former Alpine stone rack in the zoo augsburg – A peaceful picture before the excavators roll here soon. Colorful posters hang around the site: they show the plans for the new themed world. « In the morning, when the sun opens, the herons sit in the meadow in droves, » says Zoo curator Thomas Lipp. From the end of May, however, these will probably have to look for a different place: the groundbreaking ceremony for the theme world « Himalaya » is scheduled for May 22nd. Should be created here A new attraction for visitors.

Preparations in the background have been running since the beginning of the year. The water buffalo enclosure is empty – the animals have moved to the former elephant site. There they now bathe in a specially adapted water point. « All animals were already in the water and cooled down, » reports Lipp. A former elephant box temporarily serves as a shelter, but new protection is already being planned. The Emus have also moved, ibex and kangaroos were handed over. Even the old shelter of the alpine stone bones is history – torn down on their own. « We do a lot of work ourselves. We prepare everything before the companies come, » said Lipp.

New attraction in the Augsburg Zoo should cost 6.5 million euros

The project will cost a total of 6.5 million euros. The financing takes place from several sources: « One part comes from sponsors, we will take the other out of our own cash register, » explains curator Lipp. The zoo is still looking for a name sponsor for the major project. Until the planned opening in September 2026, an Asian mountain landscape with authentic animals will be created on the site.

In addition to a walk -in bird vole, the zoo also plans to socialize tahren and takines – two rare hoof animal species from the Himalaya. In the future, screw goats and Siberian ibex will live on another meadow area. However, the highlight of the new themed world will undoubtedly be the snow leopard. Particularly high safety precautions apply to the shy large cats. « We build a key transfer system that ensures that you can only enter or go out if the slide of the castle is completely locked, » explains Lipp.

The animals come from international breeding programs to the species – an area in which the Augsburg Zoo Experience brings: curator Lipp is the contact for the breeding program of the magella penguins across Europe. The red panda should also move in – and gets a very special home. « We strive to get as many trees as possible. For the panda, this is perfect: he gets a climbing tree that has grown there for years, » says Lipp.

Roundwang in the Augsburg Zoo is being expanded

Another concern of the planners: The new themed world should fit harmoniously into the existing tour of the zoo. This is preserved and is even expanded. In the future, visitors will be led over the previous water buffalo enclosure to the beaver-tert facility-in between the themed world is being created. If you want, you can also go back the old way. All paths are designed to be barrier -free, so that wheelchair users and families with prams can easily stroll through the new area. A viewpoint called « Himalaya Plaza » should allow the new site to be viewed on two floors – on the roof: photovoltaic systems that contribute to energy supply. « Sustainability plays a major role in us, » emphasizes Lipp.

And what does the construction project mean for visiting the zoo? « There will hardly be any impairments for visitors, » says Lipp. Only on individual working days could occasionally lead to restrictions. In the zoo you are looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony next Thursday. And maybe the wild gray herons will stop by until then before they have to look for a new place.