Swan blocks intersection in Görlitz district for hours
It appears again and again, stays put and simply cannot be chased away: A swan has caused a stir at a crossroads near Niesky - and kept the police busy for hours.
Sustainability and environmental protection in Saxony
The latest news on climate protection, the environment, sustainability and climate change in Saxony and around the world.
Pigeons in the city: between ban and voluntary work
Pigeons are part of the cityscape in Saxony's major cities. However, instead of fixed concepts, the cities rely on feeding bans and the commitment of volunteers.
Dresden Zoo with more guests and furry additions
Welcome and farewell. Even in a zoo, zookeepers experience sadness and loss alongside many joyful moments. Nevertheless, 2025 will go down in the zoo's history as a good year.
Forest campaign: more trees for climate and species protection
More forest for Saxony: Why the state government and the Forest Foundation are focusing on reforestation and which regions are particularly in focus.
Saxony is increasingly confronted with animal diseases
Saxony is struggling with animal diseases such as avian influenza and African swine fever. The responsible Minister Köpping believes that prevention and cooperation are the key to containment.
Perpetual chemicals in Dresden's waters locally limited
Substances that are considered harmful to health have been discovered in several bodies of water. The contamination is considered to be localized. It remains unclear where the chemicals come from.
Wolf pup is under special observation
It had become entangled in a fence in northern Saxony. The young wolf has been roaming the Annaburger Heide ever since. After an incident, the authorities are keeping a close eye on it.
Saxony's wolves provide data for research
Four wolves roam Saxony's forests in the service of science. They are equipped with a transmitter and provide experts with important data for wolf monitoring.
Pine needles become clothing: Researchers develop textiles from forest waste
In Saxony's forests, pine needles normally end up unused on the ground and rot. Researchers at WHZ Zwickau are now turning them into sustainable textiles. The "ConFiTex" project is creating completely compostable yarn from local conifer needles - an innovative contribution to the circular economy that shows how forest waste can be turned into fashion.
14-year-old koala Mullaya euthanized at Dresden Zoo
Mullaya was one of the first two koalas at Dresden Zoo. Recently, the koala dad weakened. And had to be put to sleep.
Caracals at Dresden Zoo have offspring
Dresden Zoo has been breeding caracals since 1937 - and now there are offspring again. This is how young Karlos coped with his first few weeks.
Two million euros for animal welfare
Last year, two million euros in funding was approved by the state of Saxony for animal welfare. However, the money was not available until the end of 2025.
Freiberg team wins millions in funding for clever cell phone recycling
Old cell phones and computers usually end up in the trash - but they contain valuable raw materials. A team from Freiberg has now developed a clever recycling process to recover gold, copper and rare earths. The six researchers from the Helmholtz Institute convinced an international jury and secured millions in funding. Their environmentally friendly process could help to reduce dependence on critical raw material imports.
What visitors can expect at Leipzig Zoo in 2026
A tropical light show and a name search for a koala cub at the beginning of the year, events for young and old throughout the year. Leipzig Zoo presents the program for 2026.
Counting birds in Saxony - Nabu calls for participation
More than 150,000 birds were sighted in Saxony last year. This year there could be even more due to the winter temperatures.
Leipzig Zoo seeks names for koala offspring
The cub is about six months old, but has not yet been given a name. That is about to change.
State dam administration feels the effects of climate change
The state dam administration continues to invest in flood protection. Climate change is becoming a challenge for the future.
165,000 trees and shrubs planted in Saxon Switzerland
The forest in Saxon Switzerland should be diverse and stable despite climate change: Foresters have planted a total of 165,000 trees and shrubs for this purpose in 2025.
Saxony's zoos invest millions - prices mostly stable
The zoos in Saxony want to create new habitats for their animals - but in most cases, admission prices remain stable. Only Leipzig is raising prices. What visitors can expect in 2026.
"Animals are not gifts, Christmas or not"
Associations warn against giving animals as presents at Christmas. Some animal shelters have a freeze on placements until January. However, anyone who wants to help the dogs or cats can do so.
New hiking trail towards Bohemian Switzerland already accessible
A new hiking trail is to connect Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland. The route is due to be inaugurated in spring - but it can already be tested now.
Farmers' associations: Vaccinations not a blanket solution against epidemics
Comprehensive vaccinations against animal diseases are met with skepticism by East Germany's farmers' associations. Why the costs and benefits must be weighed up, especially for fattening animals.
Saxony extends rules for overnight stays in the national park
Less disturbance for peregrine falcons and co.: the ban on overnight stays in the national park during the breeding season will continue to apply in future. Saxony's environment minister sees this as a benefit for nature.
Bluetongue disease in Saxony has an impact on neighbors
The BTV-8 type of bluetongue has been detected in Saxony for the first time since 2009. A restriction zone has been set up within a radius of 150 kilometers.
No all-clear for Saxony's forests
Every year, a report on the state of Saxony's forests is presented shortly before Christmas. The date resembles Groundhog Day: because the findings are almost always similar.
Chemicals of concern detected in Dresden's waters
Substances that are considered harmful to health have been discovered in several bodies of water. The state capital has taken initial measures and is now looking for the cause.
Greens demand better protection for urban forests
There has recently been a lot of discussion in Germany about the cityscape. One thing is certain: a beautiful cityscape also includes a "green lung". The Greens are concerned about protecting them in Saxony.
More than 200 fire salamanders reported in Saxon Switzerland
National park visitors help protect species: Why photos of fire salamanders are particularly important now and what is being done to combat a dangerous animal disease.
Bark beetle on the retreat? Situation in Saxony relaxed in 2025
If things go well for the bark beetle, one female can give rise to 100,000 beetles in three generations. However, 2025 was not a good year for the pest in Saxony.