Saxony's zoos invest millions - prices mostly stable

Saxon zoos want to invest heavily in the coming year. This is the result of a survey conducted by the German Press Agency among zoos and animal parks in Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz and Görlitz. Nevertheless, prices are set to remain stable in most cases.

Only in Leipzig will zoo visitors have to dig deeper into their pockets next year. "The rising costs of the zoo in view of price developments, especially in the areas of personnel, energy and food, as well as investment costs, make it necessary to adjust admission prices in the new year," it said.

Leipzig invests many millions of euros - prices increased

From January 1, 2026, annual tickets at Leipzig Zoo will cost 97 euros (plus 7 euros) for adults, children will pay 64 euros (plus 6 euros) and families 250 euros (plus 15 euros). The price of a day ticket will increase by 2 euros to 17 euros for children and 3 euros to 26 euros for adults. The family ticket will then cost 69 euros (plus 8 euros).

In the coming year, the zoo says it plans to invest 18 million euros. Various animal species will be given new, species-appropriate habitats. Large walk-in aviaries for macaws and lorises are set to open as early as spring, allowing visitors to experience the flight space first-hand. There are also plans to open the Feuerland Adventure World with sea lions and penguins later in the year.

Prices remain stable in Dresden and Görlitz

In Dresden, on the other hand, no price increases are planned for the coming year, according to a spokesperson for the zoo. The last adjustment was made on July 1, 2024. The giraffe and zebra enclosure is to be extended in 2026. To do this, the dilapidated and permanently closed terrarium will have to be demolished. According to Dresden Zoo, it plans to invest 420,000 euros in the demolition and expansion of the facility. 300,000 euros will be provided by the Friends of Dresden Zoo, with the remainder being financed by donations.

The Görlitz Nature Conservation Zoo is planning to build a new bear enclosure, as it announced on request. This will be financed by subsidies. The investment sum for this amounts to 2.6 million euros. Prices are not to rise. "As an animal park, we want to accommodate our visitors and make it possible for many people to visit," it said.

Only small investments in Chemnitz - ticket prices remain the same

Prices are also set to remain stable in Chemnitz. The investments are manageable and are listed in the budget at 21,095 euros, according to the zoo. This will be used to replace and renew defective path lighting. In addition, a good 1,000 euros have been budgeted to replace the technical security equipment in the zoo's cash register system.

The zoo in Hoyerswerda was unable to provide any information on investments or price increases for the coming year at this time.