Leintalzoo Schwaigern — Zoo in Schwaigern

Leintalzoo Schwaigern and its collection

Leintalzoo Schwaigern is a zoo in Schwaigern, Germany.

The main purpose is taking in and caring for neglected animals. About 250 animals of some 40 species are kept, and around 50,000 people visit each year.

History

The zoo grew out of a support association formed in Ludwigsburg in 1974 for an ape enclosure, which relocated in 1985. Peter Geßmann had rescued orphaned great apes in Africa during the 1970s and brought them back, and in Ludwigsburg further exotic animals arrived from animal welfare bodies and private owners. It is privately run and opened in 1980.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Weißhandgibbon, Schimpanse and Kapuziner.

Exhibits

The site lies on marshy ground, where natural lakes and biotopes suit storks, herons and water turtles, and trees were deliberately planted forty years ago. Wild dragonflies, butterflies, frogs, toads, grass snakes and hedgehogs have settled there of their own accord. Four primate species, numbering nearly 50 animals, are on show.

What the venue says

• "Bistro Affenstark" / "Panda's Garden", which offers a mix of classic snacks like French fries, vegetarian and vegan Thai specialties, and Italian ice cream
• Free visitor parking spaces are available directly in front of the zoo entrance.
• very accessible and easy to navigate with a wheelchair, rollator, or stroller, as all primary paths and areas are flat and barrier-free