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Saxony’s zoos unveil 2026 upgrades—Leipzig leads with €18M animal habitats

Leipzig Zoo bets big on penguins and sea lions, while others focus on quieter upgrades. Will higher costs deter visitors—or elevate the experience?

In this image I can see number of animals and number of people over here. I can also see this image...
In this image I can see number of animals and number of people over here. I can also see this image is black and white in colour.

Saxon Zoos Invest Millions - Prices Mostly Stable - Saxony’s zoos unveil 2026 upgrades—Leipzig leads with €18M animal habitats

Zoos across Saxony are preparing for a busy year in 2026, with major news and new attractions on the horizon. While not all visitors will see ticketmaster price hikes, Leipzig Zoo is leading the way with ambitious plans, while other sites focus on smaller upgrades and stable ticket costs.

Leipzig Zoo will spend around €18 million in 2026 to build new animal habitats. One highlight is the 'Feuerland' experience zone, where sea lions and penguins will take centre stage. Visitors can also look forward to walk-through aviaries for macaws and lorikeets, set to open in spring.

Dresden Zoo has allocated €420,000 to expand its giraffe and zebra enclosure. The upgrade aims to give the animals more space and improve the viewing experience for guests. Meanwhile, Görlitz Nature and Wildlife Park will construct a new bear enclosure for €2.6 million. Chemnitz Zoo will keep ticket prices unchanged and focus on minor improvements. These include replacing faulty path lighting and upgrading security systems at ticket counters. Unlike most zoos in the region, Leipzig will raise entry prices. Officials cited rising operational costs and the need to fund ongoing investments as the main reasons.

The 2026 upgrades will bring fresh experiences to Saxony’s zoos, from new enclosures to interactive exhibits. While Leipzig visitors face higher ticketmaster prices, other sites like Chemnitz and Dresden will maintain current pricing. The changes reflect a mix of large-scale projects and smaller but necessary improvements.

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