Zoo of Minis

Imagine a place where the familiar inhabitants of the wild and farmyards seem to have shrunk several times over. The Miniature Animal Zoo (Zoo der Minis) is a unique park located in the picturesque town of Aue-Bad Schlema, which is part of the Erzgebirge mountain region in Germany. An amazing collection of the world's tiniest fauna has been created on a compact territory of about 2 hectares.

Zoo of Minis. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This zoo specializes in keeping and breeding rare miniature animal forms. Here you can meet more than 400 inhabitants, including both dwarf domestic breeds and unique wild species. Visitors are invariably attracted to the mini-pigs, tiny muntjacs, mini-caracals, and even exotic common genets. The park's concept, developed by biologist Bärbel Schroller, has turned it into one of the region's most visited family spots.

In 2022, the "Miniature Animal Zoo" was recognized as one of the ten best zoos in the country, confirming its high significance for tourism and nature conservation. Thanks to its cozy atmosphere and focus on tactile interaction, the park has become an ideal spot for travelers with children and lovers of unusual natural sites.

To clarify details before your visit or to organize a children's party, you can use the park's official contact information.

The main delight here is observing amazing creatures whose size defies the imagination. You will be able to see the rarest North Chinese leopards, graceful miniature deer, and funny Göttingen minipigs. Be sure to stop by the enclosure of the Geoffroy's cat — this rare species is part of a European conservation program, and the zoo has created ideal conditions for its study.

For young guests and adults dreaming of direct contact with nature, there is the Streichelzoo — a petting zone. Here you can not only pet but also feed the friendly inhabitants under the supervision of staff. A Krabbelzoo zone is organized for the smallest visitors, while active kids can enjoy a modern playground.

Attentive visitors will also notice unusual art objects, such as a full-size fiberglass figure of an elephant, which emphasizes the contrast between the giants of the animal world and the park's "mini-stars." If you are lucky, you might catch a demonstration feeding session, where keepers talk about the dietary habits of their charges.

Getting to this cozy corner of nature is easy. If you are traveling by car, head towards the city of Chemnitz; from there, the journey via the S258 highway will take about 30–40 minutes (a distance of approximately 30 km). Parking for visitors is available on-site.

For those who prefer public transport, it is most convenient to take a train or bus to the Aue Zentrum or Bad Schlema stations. From there, you can walk to the zoo entrance in 10–15 minutes while enjoying the views of the old town.

Active travelers can arrive by bicycle, as the zoo is located on the popular Karlsroute, which connects Aue-Bad Schlema and Chemnitz. You can also always use a local taxi service from the city center or the train station.

The history of this place began in 1953, when the first enclosures for deer and wild boar appeared on the slopes of Heidelsberg. However, due to frequent animal escapes, the project was temporarily closed, only to be revived in 1960 on a much larger scale. Local residents and youth delegations from France participated in the construction of the "Fox Fortress" (Fuchsfeste) and other facilities.

A turning point came in the early 1990s. Facing financial difficulties after the reunification of Germany, the zoo was on the verge of closure. Biologist Bärbel Schroller proposed a saving concept: she decided to focus exclusively on miniature forms of animals. This allowed for the efficient use of the small 2-hectare area and significantly reduced maintenance costs.

Today, the "Miniature Animal Zoo" is a recognized center for species conservation. In 2022, it took an honorable seventh place in the ranking of Germany's best zoos, receiving high marks for its family atmosphere and active media presence. Starting in 2025, management of the park passes to Peter Hömke, who continues the traditions established by the Schroller family.

Visitors typically need about 2–3 hours to leisurely walk past all the enclosures, observe the habits of the rare animals, and take commemorative photos. The territory of the complex is compact and very well planned, allowing you to see as much as possible in a short time.

If you are planning a visit with children, we recommend setting aside up to 4 hours. The little ones will likely want to spend more time in the Streichelzoo petting area and stay active on the playground or in the special Krabbelzoo sector.

The zoo is welcomingly open to visitors daily, including weekends and holidays. You can plan your visit at any convenient time throughout the week.

Opening hours of the complex: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Please note that entry to the zoo usually closes half an hour before the official closing time.

A visit to the zoo can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the picturesque surroundings. The city is famous for its industrial heritage and cozy recreation areas located within walking distance.

Exploring local attractions will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of the Ore Mountains, whether it's ancient mine shafts or modern sports facilities.