Dessau, Lehrpark für Tier und Pflanzenkunde Zoo

In the heart of Dessau-Roßlau lies the remarkable Dessau Educational Zoo and Botanical Park. Spanning 11 hectares, this major recreational hub harmoniously combines a zoological garden with a botanical park, offering visitors a unique chance to explore the nature of Germany and beyond.

Dessau Educational Park for Animal and Plant Studies. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The park is home to about 500 animals of 120 species, including majestic wolves, playful kangaroos, and exotic blue macaws. The botanical collection is equally significant, featuring 141 species of trees, including rare specimens marked with informative signs for curious guests.

Set around the historic Ducal Mausoleum, the park is known for its well-kept grounds and tranquil atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a family outing, where educational programs about flora and fauna meet the simple pleasure of enjoying the quiet beauty of the landscape.

For details regarding special programs, ticket prices, or hosting children's parties, you can contact the Dessau Educational Zoo and Botanical Park administration directly. The park's official website provides up-to-date information on seasonal events and schedule changes.

Below are the contact details for planning your visit:

There is no shortage of engaging activities at the Dessau Educational Zoo. Visitors can observe animals in spacious, clean enclosures; the charming prairie dogs, talking parrots, and the public favorite—a bear named Dimitri—are highlights. For children, there are modern playgrounds and a large sandpit where little ones can play safely for hours.

One of the park's popular features is the animal feeding areas and educational corners where information about the inhabitants is presented in an accessible way. Nature lovers will enjoy strolling through the shaded alleys of the botanical garden, while those visiting with four-legged friends can use the spacious dedicated dog area.

Grab a bite and share your impressions at the cozy Waldschänke restaurant. Throughout the year, the park hosts themed events and presentations, such as meetings featuring Tayo the tiger python or tours about rare bird breeding. Tip: Try to plan your visit for a sunny day to fully enjoy the picnic areas and outdoor enclosures.

The zoo is located at Querallee 8, in a pleasant green area of the city near the Elbe River. If you are traveling by car, getting there is very straightforward: the park is well-signposted, and convenient parking is available for visitors. The drive from the city center takes just a few minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, trams and buses serving the Querallee or Georgenallee areas are your best option. Since the city of Dessau-Roßlau has excellent rail links with Berlin and Magdeburg, visiting from these cities is quite easy.

You can also use a local taxi for a quick and comfortable ride directly to the entrance from anywhere in the city. If you enjoy walking, it takes about 20-30 minutes from the central station through scenic streets. The park's infrastructure is well-designed, with smooth paths that make it easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs.

The land occupied by the Dessau Educational Zoo and Botanical Park today is steeped in history. The centerpiece of the landscape is the majestic Mausoleum of the Princes of Anhalt-Dessau, around which the park was established. This proximity gives the zoo a unique character, turning a simple walk into a journey back in time.

From its inception, the park was designed not just to display animals, but as an educational platform. Botany is a major focus here: over 850 trees from 141 species grow across the 11-hectare site. Many are rare, and a special sponsorship program allows local residents to contribute to their preservation.

The zoo is actively involved in biodiversity conservation programs. In recent years, its collection has expanded to include rare species like the critically endangered Vietnamese pheasants, as well as blue macaws and Amur thrushes. The staff's efforts are focused on ensuring every visitor not only sees the animals but understands the importance of protecting nature.

To leisurely explore all the enclosures, read the information signs in the botanical section, and let the children enjoy the playgrounds, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to meet the main inhabitants and relax in the park area.

If you plan to stop at the local restaurant or spend more time in the relaxation zones, your visit could last half a day. Thanks to its compact size and thoughtful layout, the park is perfect for a fulfilling yet relaxed family weekend outing.

The doors of the Dessau Educational Zoo and Botanical Park are open to visitors every day. The convenient schedule allows you to plan a visit on both weekdays and weekends without worrying about lunch breaks.

Operating hours:

• Monday — Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Operating hours remain consistent throughout the year, making the park an accessible getaway in any season.

A visit to the educational park can easily be combined with exploring the city's other cultural and historical landmarks. The surrounding area is rich in architectural masterpieces and picturesque locations that offer a deeper insight into the spirit of Germany.

Exploring the vicinity will reveal famous Bauhaus sites and magnificent palace and park ensembles, all within walking distance.