Latest news | Wildnispark Zürich

The Lesser Noctule

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

In Switzerland, the Lesser Noctule (Nyctalus leisleri) can be found well above the tree line. The Lesser Noctule is still widespread, but in many places it is coming under increasing pressure. Like many forest-dwelling bat species, it depends on old trees with plenty of cavities. Fortunately, the Wildnispark Zurich can provide this for the bats at several locations.

A Guest at Langenberg Wildlife Park

At Langenberg Wildlife Park, bioacoustic monitoring last year showed that the Lesser Noctule is present there. No wonder: more than half of Langenberg is forested. In 2024, we cared for a lesser noctule at our bat emergency care station for several days. Our animal caretakers then transferred it to the care station of the Bat Conservation Foundation at the Zurich Zoo to hibernate.

With its old-growth forests, the Sihlwald theoretically offers this species a good habitat. Surveys are currently underway to determine which species are actually present here; the exact results are not yet available.

Nocturnal “Migrant”

The migrations of the lesser noctule are particularly impressive: individual bats travel distances ranging from several hundred to over a thousand kilometers between their summer and winter quarters.

By naming it the Bat of the Year for 2026/2027, the organization BatLife Europe aims to draw attention to the importance of near-natural forests, old trees, and a connected habitat. Only if these habitats are preserved in the long term can migratory bat species such as the lesser noctule bat survive in Europe in the long run.

Good News from lynx Verena, born in Wildnispark Zurich

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The German state of Baden-Württemberg has set a goal of facilitating genetic exchange between the lynx population in the Black Forest and neighboring lynx populations in the Swiss Jura, the Vosges, or the Palatinate Forest through population support measures.

To date, six lynx have been released into the wild to bolster the small lynx population; one of these animals was Verena, who was born in 2023 at Wildnispark Zurich. The total number of independently confirmed lynx in the Black Forest stands at twelve.

Verena’s Lynx Offspring Confirmed

Offspring have now been confirmed for two released females: Elisabeth, who was born at the Chemnitz Zoo, and—much to the delight of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation—the lynx Verena. She is thus already the second lynx from Wildnispark Zurich to have produced offspring in the wild.

Numerous hairs were recovered from a den that Verena had already abandoned. Analysis at the Senckenberg Center for Wildlife Genetics confirmed DNA from Verena and a cub. It is highly likely that the male lynx Reinhold is the father. An encounter between Reinhold and Verena during the previous mating season had already been confirmed by camera trap images. Lynxes regularly change their dens while raising their young.

A Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation

“The fact that, after two centuries, we can once again record lynx cubs in the Black Forest is the result of many years of collaboration among numerous partners and shows that we are making excellent progress with the project. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project and congratulate them on this success. This is species conservation in action,” explains Marion Gentges, MdL, Minister for Rural Affairs, Agriculture, and Home Affairs. The population support project contributes to international biodiversity conservation and the biodiversity goals of the federal government and the EU.

Zoos Make an Important Contribution

Several of the released lynx come from the European Conservation Breeding Program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and are valuable to the gene pool of the still-small lynx population in the Black Forest. Wildnispark Zurich also participates in this program and is one of the few zoos in Europe where lynx can be specifically prepared for life in the wild. The various reintroduction projects in Europe are coordinated by the expert network Linking Lynx.

If you’d like to financially support lynx rearing at the Wildnispark Zurich, you can find a donation form here.

About the “Baden-Württemberg Lynx” project on the BW Wildlife Portal

Fire ban in the Sihlwald and at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A fire ban is now in force throughout the entire Sihlwald area, on the grounds of the Sihlwald Visitor Centre and at Langenberg Wildlife Park.

Due to the ongoing heatwave, the Canton of Zurich has determined the risk of forest fire risk as "extremely high". Consequently, it is prohibited until further notice to light fires in the forest or within a 50-metre radius of the forest edge. It is also prohibited to throw away burning or smouldering items such as cigarettes or matches, and to set off fireworks or sparklers.

The ban expressly applies to official fire pits, fire pits in and around forest huts, and charcoal barbecues.

The situation is being monitored continuously. You can find the latest information at waldbrandgefahr.ch and zh.ch/waldbrandgefahr.

Lynx cubs at Wildnispark Zurich

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Our zookeeper was able to film the cub nursing through binoculars.

Did you know that we raise our lynxes so that they can eventually be released back into the wild? Only a few zoos in Europe are able to do this.

The lynx must remain as wary of humans as possible. That’s why our zookeepers deliberately keep their distance from the animals.

Without genetic diversification, lynx will not survive in Central Europe in the long term.

Donations

We are currently working with the Friends of Zurich Wildlife Park to raise funds for some structural modifications to the lynx enclosure. Thank you very much for your support!

Is the cub a candidate for release into the wild?

Wildnispark Zurich is taking part in the international reintroduction project “Linking Lynx”, which is currently establishing new lynx populations, primarily in Germany. The aim is to create a viable, well-connected metapopulation across Europe in the long term. The cub that has just been born is a potential candidate for future reintroduction – provided it passes the necessary medical and behavioural tests. Depending on the requirements of the individual reintroduction sites, the animal’s sex must also be suitable. The cub born in 2026 is a female.

Tourist Attraction in Sihlwald

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

At the otter enclosure in Sihlwald, Wildnispark Zurich also offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the hidden underwater world of the River Sihl. The aquarium is home to native fish species and endangered native crayfish.

A special highlight is the popular viewing window into the otter enclosure, which gets flooded by the Sihl when the water level is high. Thanks to a new, large magnifying glass, visitors can spot water snails, caddisfly larvae, or tiny freshwater copepods here, gaining an even clearer awareness of these tiny underwater creatures.

Watching otters eat

With a little luck, you might even spot the otters. They swim by from time to time to check whether the automatic feeder has dropped another tasty morsel into their feeding basket.

Listen, read, marvel

Over the past few weeks, in cooperation with the "atelier zwäg" the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation has completely renovated the exhibition and added new elements: For example, at an audio station, an otter describes its daily life, and informational signs illustrate the ecological relationships within this sensitive habitat.

Better Access to the Sihl Thanks to #hallowasser

The redesign of the underwater viewing area near the otter enclosures marks the first public access point to the Sihl River in Sihlwald as part of the Canton of Zurich’s #hallowasser project. Additional access points to the Sihl River in the Zurich Wilderness Park area are in the planning stages.

Fotos: Mirella Wepf und "atelier zwäg"
Video: Nils Kuhn

Baby Animals at Wildnispark Zurich

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A trip to Langenberg Wildlife Park is especially worthwhile right now: You can currently see babies among several animal species. For example, several playful ibex kids are climbing around on the rock wall. The european bisons have had three calves this year, and a foal has been born among the Przewalski horses. The wild boar piglets, which were born at Easter, have grown a bit by now, though you can still easily recognise them by their striped coat patterns. If you have a keen eye, you might spot one of the little fallow deer fawns hiding in the grass somewhere in the enclosure. You’re sure to find plenty of “aww” moments.

More Than Just Cute: Why Baby Animals Are Important

Animal offspring at the Wildnispark Zurich do not only delight visitors. For the animals themselves, reproduction and raising thei offspring are central components of their natural behavior. In the wild, these behaviors ensure the survival of their species, and it is precisely this natural behavior that should is encouraged at the Wildnispark. After all, the more natural behavior that is allowed, the greater the animals’ well-being—known in technical terms as “animal welfare.”

The birth of young animals is also crucial for the long-term preservation of healthy animal populations. Without them, populations in zoos and wildlife parks would age excessively and eventually decline. That is why the Wildnispark Zurich is actively committed to species conservation: The foundation participates in conservation breeding programs for endangered species organized by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) with 8 of its 19 mammal species. The goal is to preserve stable and genetically diverse populations. As a result, three lynx born at Langenberg Wildlife Park have already been released into the wild in Germany since 2024. More are set to follow. End of May 2026, a Przewalski stallion was also released into the wild on the Kazakh steppe. He, too, was born in the Wildnispark Zurich.

Images:

Fallow deer: © Wildnispark Zurich / Nils Kuhn
Ibex, wild boar, Przewalski horse, European bison: © Wildnispark Zurich / Stefan Eichholzer

Bye-bye spruce!

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A walk through the Sihlwald forest shows: The Norway spruce trees (picea abies) are dying. There are dry trunks everywhere; many trees have long been lying on the ground. There are many reasons for this development: the spruce - as the Norway spruce is also known - was artificially introduced to the Central Plateau. By nature, it grows at higher altitudes. However, this tree species does not tolerate heat and drought well, and global warming is causing it additional stress. The analysis of satellite images shows that over thirty percent of Norway spruce trees have died in the Sihlwald since 2018.

Deciduous trees replace Norway spruce

"This death brings light, water and nutrients for new growth. In forest areas with plenty of light, pioneers grow first: elder, hazel, willow and birch, for example. Later, depending on the altitude, tree species suited to the location such as sycamore and Norway maple, beech or silver fir become established," explains Isabelle Roth, Head of the Natural Forest Division at Wildnispark Zurich, "as experience over the last 25 years has shown."

A recent Bachelor's thesis from Bern University of Applied Sciences also confirms this forecast. Anne Wenk examined which young trees and seedlings can be found on dead spruce areas in the Sihlwald in 2025. It turns out that practically no Norway spruce trees are growing back at the moment.

The spruce comes, the spruce goes...

In the 19th century, Switzerland's forests were in a desolate state. The forested area was only half the size it is today, and where there were still forests, tree growth was sparse. In the Alps, entire mountain ridges were deforested in order to obtain firewood and timber. On the Central Plateau, farmers drove their sheep and goats into the forests to graze. It was not until the strict Forest Police Act of 1876 and the Forest Act of 1898 that the overexploitation came to an end.

On the Central Plateau in particular, forest owners began to plant Norway spruce on a large scale - a fast-growing tree species whose wood can be used in a variety of ways. In the Sihlwald, it provided timber for the city of Zurich.

Dying makes new life possible

Today, however, the Sihlwald is the largest natural forest reserve on the Central Plateau and a park of national importance. For 25 years, it has been allowed to develop freely and transform into a wilderness.

"It's also amazing to me how quickly the area has changed," explains Roth. In many places you can still see that the Sihlwald was heavily used, but today you can already observe primeval forest-like structures: Like a mosaic, dark sections of forest alternate with light areas with few trees. Fallen trees lie on the ground like an oversized game of Mikado, with the occasional rootstock turning into mounds of earth. Forest recycling has begun. Fresh, nutrient-rich soil is available for young trees. Roth: "The dynamic development of the Sihlwald forest ecosystem is a benefit for biodiversity!"

Nature lovers have the opportunity to witness an impressive transformation. "I cordially invite everyone to make a note in their diary of at least two dates for hiking excursions in the Sihlwald. One in the next few weeks and the second in the forest of the future, for example in the year 2040," says Roth with a smile. "It will be exciting to see whether Norway spruce trees are still standing and which bushes and trees have taken their place."

Photo: Dominique Meienberg / Zürcher Wanderwege, Via Natura

Donation for the ibex plant

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

During the winter months, the Wildnispark Zurich extensively renovated the ibex enclosure. The enclosure is already over 75 years old and was therefore somewhat outdated. The Coop Regional Council Central Switzerland-Zurich supported the renovation with 10,000 francs. Many thanks for this!

Further information can be found in the article published today in the Coop newspaper (PDF below).

The facility is now open to visitors on a guided tour. And if you would also like to make a donation towards the building costs, you can find the donation form here.

Garden dormouse at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Since August 2025, two garden dormice have been living in the Müsli-Hüsli at Langenberg Wildlife Park. After the three edible dormice that previously lived in the enclosure died during last year's hibernation due to their advanced age, the Langenberg Wildlife Park initially took over two garden dormice from the Goldau Zoo on a temporary basis.

However, it has now been decided to keep garden dormice permanently instead of edible dormice at Wildnispark Zurich. In contrast to the edible dormice, there are better transfer and adoption options for garden dormice with other zoos to prevent inbreeding. In addition, the garden dormouse is rarer in Switzerland than the edible dormouse and is even highly endangered in Central and Eastern Europe.

To the animal portrait of the garden dormouse

Przewalski's stallion from Wildnispark Zurich released into the wild in Kazakhstan.

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

A new reintroduction project for Przewalski's horses was launched in Kazakhstan in 2024. The reintroduction will take place in the Altyn Dala nature reserve in the center of Kazakhstan, in the so-called "Golden Steppe". Within five years, a total of around forty animals are to be brought into the reintroduction area in order to build up a sustainable new population. Now, the second small herd was allowed to leave the acclimatization enclosure. Among them is "Galvan", a stallion born in Wildnispark Zurich. He is accompanied by four mares - Csárdás, Cili, Bűbáj and Celeb. They originally come from the Hortobágy National Park in Hungary and have been brought together with Galvan to form a harem over the last 12 months. The first matings have already been observed.

Przewalski's horses almost extinct in 1969

"Seeing free-ranging Przewalski's horses galloping across the steppe is a great experience. It makes a conservationist's heart beat faster," says Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation. These wonderful pictures are not a matter of course. Sixty years ago, these wild horses were on the verge of extinction. "I am delighted that we are able to make a contribution to this project with horses from our conservation breeding program," explains Hindenlang Clerc.

The first successful reintroduction of Przewalski's horses into the wild began in Mongolia in 1992. The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation, in collaboration with the International Thaki Group (ITG), has been intensively involved in this project for decades.

The new "Return of the Wild Horses" project in Kazakhstan was initiated by Prague Zoo and the Frankfurt Zoological Society in collaboration with other partners. Important local partners include the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity Kazakhstan (ACBK).

Endangered wild donkeys also released into the wild

At the same time as the Przewalski's horses, kulans - highly endangered Asian wild asses - are also being released into the wild in the Golden Steppe. Both species play an important role in restoring the steppe ecosystem. The large herbivores maintain biodiversity through grazing, promote the nutrient cycle, spread seeds and prevent large-scale steppe fires by eating dry biomass.

Further information

Wildnispark Zurich
Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications. Phone 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Project "Return of the wild horses":
Filip Mašek, Prague Zoo, masek@zoopraha.cz, tel. (+420) 770 131 110.

Pictures and videos

Material in the ZIP below

The 2025 annual report is here!

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Last year, the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation had many reasons to celebrate. For example, the "25 years of wild Sihlwald" anniversary. For a quarter of a century, the Sihlwald has been allowed to transform itself back into a wilderness. The former commercial forest is now the largest natural forest reserve on the Central Plateau and a park of national importance - a milestone in the history of wilderness in Switzerland.

Lynx, Przewalski's stallion and stone crayfish released into the wild

With the reintroduction of a female lynx in Germany, a Przewalski's stallion in Kazakhstan and the reintroduction of stone crayfish in the Sihlwald forest, the Foundation was once again able to achieve important successes for species conservation.

New refuges for endangered species

"Promoting biodiversity and bringing it closer to people is one of our foundation's goals," says Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation. "That's why we implemented several large-scale enhancement projects in the perimeter of the Park last year. For example, in the bison enclosure at Langenberg Wildlife Parkand at the Sihlbrugg Station hamlet."

Stable visitor numbers

The Wildnispark Zurich remains a popular excursion destination: despite restrictions on rail and road traffic due to construction work, visitor numbers rose slightly to a total of 634,000.

Here you can browse through the annual report or download it as a PDF (in German). We will also be happy to send you printed copies on request.

Further information

Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications
Tel. 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Image material

The photos below can be found in high resolution in the attached ZIP file.

Captions

25th anniversary of the "Wild Sihlwald": The former commercial forest is now the largest natural forest reserve on the Central Plateau and a park of national importance. Photo: Wildnispark Zurich
An important contribution to species conservation: in autumn 2025, the female lynx Freya, born in the Wildnispark Zurich, was released into the wild in Germany. Photo: SRF / Einstein (may be used.)
Wildnispark Zurich is one of the few zoos in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for release into the wild. Triplets were born in spring 2025 Photo: Wildnispark Zurich / Fredy Tschui

Missing female lynx reappears - with offspring

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Wild lynx populations in Western and Central Europe are under severe pressure. The individual populations are sometimes very small and poorly interconnected, which threatens to genetically deplete the populations. Targeted reintroductions help to connect and strengthen the populations.

Coordinated by the international "Linking Lynx" network, 16 lynx born in zoos have been released into the wild in Germany since the beginning of 2023. Three of them come from Wildnispark Zurich: Vreni and her sisters Verena and Freya.

First lost, now a beacon of hope

Vreni was released into the wild in the Thuringian Forest in August 2024. Wildlife cameras and her GPS transmitter showed that she had settled in well to her new environment after just a short time. She was also quickly able to hunt deer, although she was never able to practise this when kept in a zoo.

However, due to a technical defect in the transmitter, contact with Vreni was lost early on. There was no sign of life from the animal for over a year. It was only thanks to new images from photo traps that Vreni could now be clearly identified on the basis of her individual fur pattern. One of the photos also shows a young lynx following Vreni at a short distance.

Species conservation project "Lynx Thuringia - Connecting Europe's lynxes"

"We are overjoyed that Vreni is still alive and that she is still in the Thuringian Forest. When I discovered the lynx and her cub while reviewing the photo trap images, it was one of the great moments of our project for me," says Dr. Markus Port, lynx expert at BUND Thüringen. He is part of the team of the species conservation project "Lynx Thuringia - Connecting Europe's lynxes".

The cub in the photo is almost fully grown and was probably born in spring 2025. "Vreni, who was around two years old at the time, was therefore able to reproduce successfully in the first year after her release into the wild. This is a great success for our project," explains Port. Lynx give birth to up to four young once a year. It is not known how large Vreni's litter was. Often not all cubs are captured by the wildlife cameras.

Thuringia as a bridge between the Harz Mountains and the Bavarian Forest

Vreni's offspring mark a decisive step in establishing a stable population in Thuringia and the neighboring federal states. The aim of the project is to establish a permanent lynx population in the Thuringian Forest and thus create an important link between the existing populations in the Harz Mountains and the Bavarian Forest.

The team of Wildnispark Zurich is also delighted. "We are delighted that Vreni has been able to establish herself in the Thuringian Forest," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation. "It fills us with pride and gratitude that we can contribute to the conservation of this wonderful species in Europe." The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation participates in the conservation breeding program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and is one of the few zoos in Europe where lynx can be specifically prepared for a life in the wild.

PS: Incidentally, one of the wildlife camera images shows that Vreni has already been accompanied by a male again. The male is called Ionel, comes from Romania and was released into the wild in April 2025.

PPS: The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation would be grateful for further donations to support the lynx breeding programme at Langenberg Wildlife Park. Click here to go directly to the donation form.

High-resolution images in the ZIP below

Sihlbrugg Station bridge closed

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Map

We are committed to the conservation of European bison in the wild

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Our "Wildnis" magazine is now available again at Langenberg Wildlife Park and the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park Visitor Center.

Our cover story is dedicated to the European bison. A herd of bison has been living in the canton of Solothurn since the end of 2022. They are currently still living in an enclosure covering around one square kilometer. However, if everything goes according to plan, the fence will be removed in 2027 and the animals' run will be extended to 10 square kilometers. They will be monitored by transmitters and in 2032, the federal government and the canton will evaluate whether bisons should be allowed to live freely in Switzerland again. The animals in this pilot project are on loan from the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation, which is a partner in the "Wisent Thal" project.

The magazine also focuses on spruce. A historic event is currently taking place in the Sihlwald forest. The Norway spruce trees are dying off, a process known as spruce succession. One of the reasons for the dieback is global warming.

We would be delighted if the "Wildnis" inspires you and encourages you to visit the Wildnispark Zurich. The magazine also contains our event program and exciting excursion tips.

Click here for the online edition

Renovation of the ibex plant

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The ibex enclosure in Wildnispark Zurich is over 75 years old. As the structure is getting a bit long in the tooth, it has had to be renovated in recent months. Some of the striking rocks had become crumbly, and the flooring and fence also had to be replaced. In principle, however, the facility was retained in its current form, as both its size and design have proven their worth.

Construction work began at the end of October 2025. During this time, the ibex herd remained in the adjacent pasture or in areas of the enclosure that were not affected by the renovation. On Tuesday morning, the time had come: the herd, currently numbering 23, was allowed back into its old habitat and soon took possession of the "brand new" rocks. And who knows: perhaps there will soon be young animals to see again.

Better hygiene, more shade

Ibexes love to be able to retreat under a shady ledge from time to time. As many of these stone slabs had crumbled away over the years or were removed for safety reasons, new stone slabs have now been added and more feeding troughs placed. In addition, the oldest climbing rock in the front part of the enclosure had to be stabilized. This is particularly popular with visitors to the zoo because the young animals love to romp around on it

The flooring was also renovated so that the zookeepers can clean the enclosure efficiently. In particular, the brittle joints between the stone slabs had to be renewed. "Droppings were always getting stuck in the brittle mortar between the floor slabs," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Wildnispark Zurich. This made cleaning the facility more time-consuming and good hygiene conditions are important for the health of the animals.

Facility creates new insights

"In all projects at Langenberg Wildlife Park, we make sure that the animals, the animal care team and the visitors benefit equally," says Kilchenmann. Visitors now have the opportunity to enter the facility on a guided tour so that they can get an even closer look at the king of the mountains. The "Ibex Safari" takes place on Sundays and public holidays during the summer season. Registration in the store. Dates and further information.

Expensive item: a new fence mesh

Metal fences are durable, but they also wear out and need to be replaced regularly. The current mesh is metal-colored, the new one will be black. "For visitors, this is a visual plus," explains Kilchenmann.

Donations for the ibexes

The renovation cost half a million francs in total. Thanks to grants from foundations, a contribution from Coop and private donations, the project could be tackled. The Zurich Wilderness Park is grateful for further donations in support of the ibexes at Langenberg Wildlife Park. Click here to go directly to the donation form.

The beaver conquers the Sihl

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

200 years ago, the beaver disappeared from Switzerland due to intensive hunting. Thanks to reintroduction projects between 1956 and 1977, the population has developed well again. Today, almost 5,000 animals live in Switzerland.

More beavers in the canton of Zurich

There are around 520 beavers in the canton of Zurich, spread over 165 territories, as the canton's latest survey showed in winter 24/25. The population has tripled since 2008. In the last five years, the increase has leveled off somewhat because the density of territories in the north of the canton is already high and the habitat potential has been exhausted.

Reconquering the Sihl

Now the beaver is increasingly spreading into the southern part of the canton, where it was hardly detected until recently. In recent years, however, many new territories have been added - for example along the Sihl and Limmat rivers. New beaver territories have also been created on Lake Zurich near Wollishofen and Meilen. Despite the heavily built-up banks, there are still suitable habitats for Europe's largest rodent, especially in the reed belt areas. An adult animal can weigh thirty kilos and grow to a length of 1.30 meters.

Enrichment for the Wildnispark Zurich

A pair of beavers have been living on the grounds of the Wildnispark Zurich in Sihlwald since the beginning of 2024. If you look towards the river from the otter enclosure's visitor pulpit, you can clearly see the entrance to the den. The rodents can also be observed from the bench on the other side of the river - especially at dusk. Binoculars are useful for this. Last year, even young animals could be seen.

But watch out! Beavers and beaver lodges are protected in Switzerland. "You should always keep enough distance", explains Nicole Aebli, ranger at Zurich Wilderness Park. "As beavers dig, you can easily destroy the burrows with your weight and injure yourself in the process."

Beavers promote biodiversity

Beavers are regarded as industrious "master builders of nature". They shape the landscape and thus promote biodiversity. Where they settle, the diversity of species doubles and the number of animals and plants also increases. The habitats they create help to bring back rare plants and animals, such as the kingfisher, the midwife toad and the grass snake.

However, its activities can also lead to problems. For example, when water bodies dammed by beavers flood fields. The Canton of Zurich's beaver office advises those affected in order to minimize conflicts in the long term.

On the way to Biberbrugg?

The beavers living in the canton of Zurich can be traced back to releases in the Aargau moated castle, the Thurgau Nussbaumersee lakes and the Zurich Thurspitz. Beavers have long since returned to the Limmat. Now this population has slowly spread along the Sihl from Zurich's main railway station, where the Limmat and Sihl rivers meet.

Who knows, perhaps the offspring of the Wildnispark Zurich beavers will soon reach the river called "Biber" near Biberbrugg. The "Biber flows into the "Alp" which then flows into the Sihl. Via the "Biber" river the beavers could There they could colonize the moorland area of national importance - Rothenthurm.

The beaver has already conquered the Horgen Pond (Horgener Bergweiher). It is highly probable that the beaver has also colonized this pond from the Sihl. The outflow of the Horgener Bergweiher the Wüeribach, flows into the Sihl in the Wildnispark Zurich.

For comparison: inbreeding in lynx and beaver

Although there are again many beavers in Switzerland, they are descended from a maximum of 140 founder animals. Their genetic base is therefore relatively narrow. So far, however, no adverse health effects have been observed in the Swiss beaver population. This is in contrast to lynx, which are descended from only ten to a maximum of twenty animals in Switzerland. The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is currently involved in reintroduction projects in Germany to strengthen the lynx population there. No reintroductions are currently planned in Switzerland.

Good News

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

On Wednesday, February 4, the lynx trio born in spring 2025 arrived safe and sound in the wild cat village of Hütscheroda in Germany. There, the two females and the male will spend a few months in a special, so-called coordination enclosure.

In this spacious, near-natural area, which is not accessible to outsiders, lynxes are specifically prepared for life in the wild and their behavior is carefully monitored.

If everything goes according to plan, the male and one of the females will be released into the wild later this year. The second young female will serve as a reserve for the time being. If it cannot be released into the wild, it will be given to a zoo that participates in EAZA's European conservation breeding program for the lynx.

Networking isolated lynx populations

In Germany, the lynx is threatened with extinction. Various reintroduction projects are currently underway to strengthen and better connect the populations. Since 2024, three cubs from Wildnispark Zurich have already been released into the wild in Germany: Vreni in the "Lynx Thuringia" project, Verena in the northern Black Forest ("Lynx Baden-Württemberg") and Freya as part of "ReLynx Saxony" in the western Ore Mountains.

With any luck, the breeding female at Wildlifepark Langenberg will give birth again in spring. Further information and donation options

Our 2026 event program is online!

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The 2026 annual program offers wild herb and mushroom courses, family excursions, zoo brunches, discovery tours in the Sihlwald forest and behind the scenes at Langenberg Zoo and much more.

Book now!

Sika deer

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0100

The sika herd is complete again! After thirty days in quarantine, a new breeding bull was recently integrated into the sika deer herd at Wildnispark Zurich. The bull originally comes from Ostrava Zoo in the Czech Republic and is two and a half years old. This means he is already fully grown; sika deer become sexually mature at 18 months.

The Wildnispark Zurich hopes that the new arrival from the Czech Republic will mean that this highly endangered species of deer will breed again next spring.

Sika deer at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Sika deer have been living at Langenberg Wildlife Park since 1990. This is the pure subspecies "Vietnam sika deer" (Cervus nippon pseudaxis). This species is extinct in the wild. Wildnispark Zurich participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) to ensure the survival of this deer species until suitable areas and conditions for reintroduction are available in its homeland. Regular offspring is therefore also very important. The previous breeding bull has not bred for several years and has now been replaced due to his advanced age.

Sika deer in Switzerland

Sika deer are originally a species of deer from East Asia. Nevertheless, there are free-ranging populations in Switzerland. In the 19th century, they were introduced as park game in Germany and other countries. Free-ranging populations were formed from escaped and released captive animals and have survived to this day in the Schaffhausen area.

Photo: Wildnispark Zurich, Fredy Tschui

Happy brown bear!

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0100

At the beginning of January, the oldest animal in Wildnispark Zurich turned thirty years old. The male brown bear was born at Langenberg Wildlife Park in 1996. He shares the enclosure with a female, who is also 25 years old and originally comes from Denmark. In the wild, brown bears can live between twenty and thirty years, although the average life expectancy is only around six years due to high cub mortality. In zoos, they sometimes reach an age of over 35 years.

The exact date of birth of the male bear is not known. This is because female bears give birth to their cubs in winter, hidden in a cave. At birth, the bear cubs are the size of rats, naked and blind. They leave the den for the first time in April or May at the earliest. As a rule, the cubs stay with their mother for about three years before they become independent.

Bears in Wildnispark Zurich

The first brown bears came to Langenberg Wildlife Park in 1914. While they were initially kept in a bear pit, today's enclosure is largely located in the forest and offers the animals many natural structures. The bears can dig their own dens in the enclosure, where they also retreat for hibernation.

During this time, their metabolism is slowed down and the bears are very lethargic. Their pulse and breathing rates are significantly lower. In the event of danger, brown bears can suddenly wake up again. Some go into complete hibernation, while others sporadically leave their dens in warm weather to search for food. However, they only eat a little and then go back to sleep. The two public favorites in the Langenberg are therefore not regularly seen again until spring.

The brown bears are one of the eight animal species with which Wildnispark Zurich participates in the European Conservation Breeding Program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). However, the male bear at Langenberg Wildlife Park has been neutered since 2016. The decision was made because he has already produced offspring several times and his genetic material is sufficiently represented in European zoos.

To avoid an overabundance of cubs, a conscious decision was made not to have any more offspring with the pair living in Wildnispark Zurich.

Further information:

Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, phone 044 722 55 22, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Download the pictures in high resolution:

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Captions:

The public's favorite: The male brown bear at Langenberg Wildlife Park will be thirty years old in January. This makes him the oldest animal in Wildnispark Zurich. (Image: Wildnispark Zurich /Stefan Eichholzer)

Tasty treats: To keep the animals at Langenberg Wildlife Park busy, the keepers spread honey on the trees - a treat and entertainment at the same time. There is also an ostrich egg as an Easter surprise. (Image: Wildnispark Zurich /Stefan Eichholzer)

Opening hours during the holidays

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Langenberg Wildlife Park
On December 31, 2025, the main gate will close at 4 p.m. Pedestrian access will remain open.

Customer service at Wildnispark Zurich
On December 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31, you can reach us by phone from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Langenberg Shop
The shop will be open on January 3 and 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and closed over the holidays.

Langenberg Restaurant
You can warm up and refuel at the Bärentreff self-service restaurant at the following times. In very inclement weather, earlier closing times are possible. This will be announced on site.

December 24, 2025: 9 - 3 p.m.
December 25, 2025: 9 - 5 p.m.
December 26, 2025: 9 - 5 p.m.
December 31, 2025: 9 - 3 p.m.
January 1, 2026: 9 - 5 p.m.
January 2, 2026: 9 - 5 p.m.

All opening hours

The first Christmas for the Young Elk

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Elks are gourmets. In winter, the elks at Langenberg Wildlife Park feed almost exclusively on conifers in addition to food cubes, just like their wild counterparts. "An adult elk eats 4 to 6 trees bare in winter – a juvenile perhaps half that," says Martin Kilchenmann, head of the animals department at Wildnispark Zurich. The nutrient-rich twigs, needles and buds are particularly popular. The animals prefer silver fir or Nordmann fir because they are less prickly. However, Norway spruce will also do in a pinch.

Christmas trees as winter food

Not only elks, but also deer, red and fallow deer, the european bison and ibex occasionally eat Christmas trees in Wildnispark Zurich. This is why Langenberg Wildlife Park needs around 20 to 30 trees every day.

After December 24, Coop and regional sales outlets such as 'Angermann Weihnachtsbäume', Landi Adliswil and Dorfgärtnerei Raschle deliver unsold trees to Langenberg Wildlife Park. Grünstadt Zürich also brings large neighborhood trees from the city of Zurich. These are put to good use as winter fodder. Used Christmas trees from private households cannot be used. Tinsel and wax residues would harm the animals and checking each individual tree would be too time-consuming.

Christmas for the young bull

The young elk bull, which was born at Langenberg Wildlife Park in June 2025, is also already eagerly nibbling on conifers. Young elks are nursed by their mother for around 6 months and then expelled, at the age of one year, before the next year's offspring is born. An adequate supply of nutrients in the first year of life is crucial for healthy development.

Further information:

Barbara Felix, Head of Marketing and Communication, phone 044 722 55 29, barbara.felix@wildnispark.ch

High-resolution images: Link to download

Legends:

The six-month-old elk bull is already nibbling eagerly on conifers. Picture: Wildnisparkk Zurich , Stefan Eichholzer
The unsold Christmas trees are a delicacy for moose. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Stefan Eichholzer
Moose switch their diet to conifers in winter. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Stefan Eichholzer

Langenberg Wildlife Park

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The six young wolves from the last two litters are at an age when they would leave their pack of origin in the wild. In human care, this step is carried out through appropriate management. One young male was transferred to Goldau Zoo. The second male cub had to be euthanized because it was not to be paired with its mother or sisters and no suitable place could be found for it in another zoo. This animal will be used for educational purposes at Wildnispark Zurich. Places in other zoos are still being sought for the female cubs.

In the medium term, the Wildnispark Zurich plans to form a new pack with one of the young females living in the zoo and a new male. The current mother is too old for this. The last male leader of the wolf pack had to be put down at the end of 2024 due to a tumor.

Until a suitable male is found, the females will remain together in the enclosure.

Donations for the lynxes?

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

"Einstein" accompanied a young female lynx from Wildnispark Zurich on her way to freedom - as a beacon of hope for her species in Germany. In our neighboring country to the north, lynxes are threatened with extinction.

The alarm signals are also increasing for the Swiss lynx: A newly discovered hereditary disease shows the consequences of inbreeding and a lack of gene exchange.

Wildnispark Zurich is one of the few zoos in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for a life in the wild.

Your support helps!

Further information on lynx breeding at Wildlife Langenberg and a donation link can be found here.

TV tip for November 6

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The program "Einstein" accompanies the young female lynx Freya from Wildnispark Zurich in Langnau am Albis to her release into the wild in the forests of eastern Germany. There she will help to build up a stable population. This is because the lynx is threatened with extinction in Germany. Freya's journey will first take her to a special enclosure in Thuringia, where she will be prepared for several months before being released into the wild.

Why Switzerland exports lynx - and has problems of its own

While Freya is helping to strengthen the young lynx population in Germany, Switzerland is struggling with the consequences of its own pioneering work. The first animals were released into the wild here over fifty years ago - a success story that brought the lynx back to the Alps and the Jura. Today, around 340 adult lynx live in Switzerland, the largest population in Western Europe. But the success story has a shadow: All the animals are descended from just a few individuals. Genetic diversity is low, and this has consequences.

Alarming findings

"Einstein" shows how researchers are investigating the health of the Swiss lynx. Animals found dead are analyzed at the Institute of Fish and Wildlife Health in Bern. The experts came across a mystery: time and again, young lynx died for no apparent reason. The trail leads to a genetic disease - scientifically proven for the first time. The youngest population in north-eastern Switzerland is affected.

More exchange and fresh blood

In general, heart defects have also been on the rise for some time. Experts warn that without fresh genetic material, the Swiss lynx could become increasingly ill and the population could shrink in the long term. One problem is that the isolated populations in the Jura, the Alps and north-western Switzerland hardly ever exchange their genes.

On the one hand, this exchange between the areas is now to be promoted, while on the other, experts are also calling for the resettlement of new lynx from abroad. But the implementation is complex: it requires international cooperation, legal clarifications and the acceptance of the population.

Broadcast date:

SRF1, Thursday, November 6, 2025, 9:05 p.m. oder auf Play SRF

Editor/Production: Jörg Niggli

Moderation: Tobias Müller

Photos: SRF

Donations

Breeding lynxes that are fit for release into the wild is challenging and costly. If you would like to support us in this work, you can send us a donation via this link.

The ibex enclosure is being renovated

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The ibex facility in Langenberg is already over 75 years old. It is currently being renovated. It needs a new floor covering, new water and sewage pipes and a new fence. The climbing rock made of natural stone, on which the ibex herd likes to spend time, is to be repaired in some places, in particular to provide the animals with more shade. A new, accessible area for visitors is also planned.

The ibex will remain in the Langenberg

During the construction phase, the animals will live in the meadow towards the red deer enclosure by the parking lots. They will continue to have access to the stables via a connecting corridor.

Access to the park is always guaranteed

The road towards the restaurant will practically always be accessible during the construction work. If there is a temporary closure, visitors and shuttle services will be diverted. If the weather conditions are right, the construction work should be completed by the end of the year.

Donations

The renovation project is dependent on donations. Would you like to support the renovation of the ibex enclosure for the benefit of the animals and the work of the zookeepers at Wildnispark Zurich? We would be very grateful for any donations !

Opening of the fourth stage of Via Natura

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The annual wilderness day took place in Sihlwald on the last weekend of September. The theme was "25 years of wild Sihlwald". A special and lasting highlight of the program was the opening of the fourth stage of the Via Natura. The Via Natura connects the nature centers in the canton of Zurich and leads through the canton's most beautiful landscapes. The new route of the unique hiking trail leads from the Silberweide nature station to the visitor center of the Wildnispark Zurich in Sihlwald. Sihlwald has been one of the twenty parks of national importance since 2010.

The Via Natura offers around 200 kilometers of varied nature experiences - from moors and forests to lakes and river landscapes. The new stage leads past special places such as the Grüningen Botanical Garden, the Au peninsula and the mountain pond in Horgen. Exciting information on natural features along the way can be accessed via QR codes.

Special audio trail for children

A section of the new stage has also been equipped with an audio trail for children: The entertaining story of Hiky, the mascot of the Zurich hiking trails, accompanies them on the route from Horgen to Sihlwald. Together with forest dwellers, Hiky searches for his lost binoculars. An accompanying booklet with coloring pages and puzzles is available at the visitor center of the Wildnisapark Zurich in Sihlwald or online. Anyone who finds the solution word will receive a small gift at the visitor center.

Main sponsor: Zürcher Kantonalbank

The wilderness day attracted numerous guests and offered a colorful family program with activities, information stands and a lecture by forest ecologist Nicolas Roth in addition to the opening. Special thanks went to Zürcher Kantonalbank, which has been the main sponsor of both institutions for many years.

The new stage marks another milestone for Via Natura and the experience of nature in the canton of Zurich. Of the total of around 200 kilometers, the fourth stage marks 175 kilometers of the circular hiking trail. It connects the nature centers BirdLife-Naturzentrum Neeracherried, Naturzentrum Thurauen, Naturzentrum Pfäffikersee, Naturstation Silberweide and the Wildnisaprk Zurich. The last stage is scheduled to open next summer. This route will run from the Wildnisapark Zurich back to the starting point of Via Natura, the BirdLife Nature Center Neeracherried.

Further information can be found at

Further information

Opening of the 4th stage of Via Natura: Flavian Kühne, Managing Director Zürcher Wanderwege, phone 044 771 33 55, flavian.kuehne@zuercher-wanderwege.ch
25 years of wild Sihlwald: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, Wildnispark Zurich, phone 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Wilderness day in the Sihlwald

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The wilderness day in Sihlwald the Sunday after next offers fun, games and exciting nature knowledge for the whole family. The focus is on the "25 years of wild Sihlwald" anniversary and, as a bonus, the opening of the fourth stage of the Via Natura. Via Natura is an initiative of the Zurich hiking trails and leads through the most beautiful natural landscapes in the canton of Zurich.

"25 years of the wild Sihlwald".

For a quarter of a century, the Sihlwald forest has been allowed to transform itself into a wilderness. If you would like to learn more about the largest natural forest reserve in the Swiss Plateau, then the lecture by forest ecologist Nicolas Roth is just the thing for you. As a specialist in deadwood and insects, he will transport his audience into an exciting, hidden world.

The junior rangers of the Wildnispark Zurich Wilderness Park and the wilderness messengers have put together an entertaining quiz for guests about the unique forest wilderness in the Sihl Valley. Children can also solve puzzles about the Sihlwald animals on an exciting search for clues. Did you know that polecats can be found in the Sihlwald? At the Pro Natura stand you can find out more about this rather secretive species of marten.

The Sihlwald exhibition in the visitor center is also worth a visit: it shows the history of the forest from the intensive use of wood to the development of today's natural forest reserve. Admission is free on Wilderness Day.

The Friends of the Zurich Wilderness Park and Zürcher Kantonalbank will be on site with games of skill. There is even gold to be won at the ZKB. Important to know: ZKB has been the main sponsor of the Wildnispark Zurich and the Zurich hiking trails for many years. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment to the region.

When and where?

The Wilderness Day will take place on Sunday, September 28 from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. The stands are located on the grounds of the visitor center near the Sihlwald train station.

Further information:

"25 years of wild Sihlwald": Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications Wildnispark Zurich, phone 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch
Opening of the 4th stage of the Via Natura: Flavian Kühne, Managing Director of Zürcher Wanderwege, phone 044 771 33 55, flavian.kuehne@zuercher-wanderwege.ch

High-resolution images: Link to download

Legends:

Wilderness day in Sihlwald: an exciting event for the whole family. The focus is on the "25 years of wild Sihlwald" anniversary. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Annemarie Brennwald
From commercial forest to wilderness: Sihlwald has changed dramatically over the last 25 years. You can find out more about this park of national importance on Wilderness Day. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Mirella Wepf

Europe-wide species protection

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The Wildnispark Zurich is one of the few animal parks in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for life in the wild. Today, the third cub was released into the wild in Germany within a year. "We are delighted and proud to be able to contribute to the conservation of this wonderful species with our work," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich .

In Germany, the Eurasian lynx is considered to be threatened with extinction. Projects are therefore currently underway in several German federal states to reintroduce lynx and to strengthen smaller populations with additional animals.

"RELynx Sachsen" project

The female Freya, born in 2024 in the Wildnispark Zurich, was released into the wild in the Ore Mountains as part of the "RELynx Sachsen" project. The Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology wants to settle around twenty lynx in the Ore Mountains by 2030/31. The aim is to establish a self-sustaining lynx population in the Saxon forests that can network with the existing populations in Germany and Europe and thus contribute to the long-term protection of the species.

The female lynxes Vreni and Verena, born in 2023 – Freya's older sisters – were released into the wild in Thuringia and Baden-Württemberg. Lynx breeding and reintroductions are coordinated by the EAZA's European breeding program and the international network "Linking Lynx".

Situation of the lynx in Switzerland

The lynx was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s. The population currently stands at around 300 animals. As they are descended from only ten to twenty parent animals and sometimes live in isolation from each other, the populations are at risk of inbreeding. Releasing additional individuals into the wild could improve the genetic diversity of the animals in Switzerland and ensure the long-term survival of the "brush-eared".

Contact persons for media inquiries:

Wildnispark Zurich: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, Tel.: 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

"RELynx Sachsen": Karin Bernhardt, Press Officer Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology, Tel.: +49 351 2612 9002, Karin.Bernhardt@lfulg.sachsen.de

Further links and donation options:

Photos and video material in high resolution

Downlaod here

«Zorro» in the edible dormouse enclosure

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

There are currently no edible dormice to be found in the Müsli-Hüsli. The reason: the three dormice at Langenberg Wildlife Park did not wake up from hibernation last winter due to their very advanced age. As it was not possible to obtain new edible dormice from other zoos at short notice, Wildnispark Zurich took in two garden dormice from Wildlife Park Goldau: one female and one male.

Garden dormice, like edible dormice, tree dormice, and hazel mice, are so-called dormice. Dormice are nocturnal and therefore rarely seen in daylight. But when you do catch a glimpse of garden dormice, you can recognize them by their typical black Zorro mask.

The garden dormice will remain at Langenberg Wildlife Park until further notice. Signs on site indicate the special guests in the edible dormouse enclosure.

Dormice in Switzerland

Dormice fare differently in Switzerland, depending on how much pressure their habitat is under. While the tree dormouse is endangered and only found in the Engadin and Münstertal valleys, the edible dormouse is widespread. It benefits from climatic changes that lead to more mast years for trees and thus a rich food supply.

The garden dormouse is rarer than the edible dormouse. It is found in parks and orchards and occasionally takes up residence in the attic of a vacation home. However, its ideal habitat is in natural forests with plenty of dead wood, insects, and old trees with hollows that it uses as nests.

Commitment to biodiversity

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The lynx enclosure in Wildnispark Zurich is one of the few in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for an independent life in the wild. This makes it all the more exciting that kittens have been born again this year – this time even triplets!

With a little luck you can already catch a glimpse of the trio. There are two females and one male. Together with their mother, they are located in the rear part of the lynx enclosure.

Lynxes are endangered.

The wild lynx population in Western and Central Europe is under threat. The individual populations are sometimes very isolated from each other, which means there is a risk of inbreeding.

Many European countries are therefore running projects for the targeted reintroduction of lynx or to strengthen weak populations. The Linking Lynx network, in which lynx experts from all over Europe come together with the aim of creating a networked and thus viable metapopulation of lynx in Europe, plays an important role in this context.

Half-sisters released into the wild in Germany

The Wildnispark Zurich foundation participates in the European conservation breeding program for lynx. Fortunately, cubs were born last year and the year before last at Langenberg Zoo – a total of four females. Two were released into the wild in Germany to strengthen the endangered population there. A third is expected to be released into the wild in Germany this summer. The fourth female was given to another zoo as a breeding animal.

A new breeding female has been living at Langenberg Wildlife Park since January 2025. She originally comes from Alpenzoo Innsbruck and is the mother of this year's cubs. The mother of the young animals from 2023 and 2024 – has since moved to Tierpark Goldau. The father has remained the same. The targeted exchange of breeding animals between the zoos ensures that the genetic diversity of the lynx is maintained.

Like their half-sisters from 2023 and 2024, this year's cubs will hopefully be suitable for release into the wild or as breeding animals in EAZA's European breeding program.This will be decided in a few months by the coordinator of the breeding program and Linking Lynx.

Support the lynxes with a donation to the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation!

Images:
Stefan Eichholzer, Wildnispark Zurich (mother and cub's face)
Albert Hanslin: Mother with cub

Hasenrainweg permanently closed

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The terrain on the Hasenrainweg is in a state of flux. This section has therefore been removed from the trail network. The new route is signposted (yellow).

Map

Young animals at Langenberg

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

It has been six years since young elks were last seen in the Wildnispark Zurich. In 2025, the time has finally come again: the female elk that came to Langenberg Wildlife Park from Sweden three years ago gave birth to a healthy young calf a few days ago. The father was born in Langenberg in 2019.

Elk are slowly spreading in Europe

The European elk was also a native species in Switzerland until the 10th century. Today, Europe's largest deer species can still be found in Scandinavia and northern Central Europe. However, like red deer, roe deer and other wild animals, elks are slowly spreading again in Europe. In Germany, wild elks have been returning in recent years, migrating from Poland.

The Wildnispark Zurich has been keeping elks since 1969 and has regularly welcomed offspring in the past.

The Aww effect is guaranteed

Currently, young animals can also be discovered in numerous other animal species at Langenberg Wildlife Park: The wild boar, ibex, Przewalski's horses, marmots, red deer and fallow deer have all had their young. A trip to the Wildnispark Zurich is therefore particularly worthwhile at the moment.

Images

You can find the images in high resolution in the ZIP below.

Caption: There are currently young animals of many species to be seen in the Wildnispark Zurich. A special highlight is the elk calf born a few days ago. (Image: Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich/Stefan Eichholzer)

Caption: Calves of European elk weigh 10 to 12 kilograms, the weight of elk calves in Alaska is 14 to 18 kilograms. (Image: Stiftung Wildnispark Zürich/Stefan Eichholzer)

Wild horses

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200

A young Przewalski stallion born in Langnau am Albis will soon be galloping freely across the Central Asian steppe in Kazakhstan. He was brought to Kazakhstan at the beginning of June for a reintroduction project. He is currently still in a reintroduction enclosure to get used to his habitat under supervision. The project managers have given the stallion the name "Galvan".

Przewalski's horses are the only wild horses still alive. They used to populate the steppes of Asia from Kazakhstan to China. However, since 1969 they have been considered extinct in the wild and have only survived in zoological gardens. In the meantime, the population has grown back to around 2,400 animals through targeted breeding. The Zurich Wilderness Park has also been involved in the European conservation breeding program for Przwewalski's horses since 1987.

Successful predecessor projects: Przewalski's horses in Mongolia

In the past, the Zurich Wilderness Park has already successfully participated in the reintroduction of Przewalski's horses in the Great Gobi B desert in southern Mongolia. A population of around 300 animals is now living there again.

"We are delighted that the endangered wild horses are now to find a home again in Kazakhstan," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation. "It fills us with joy and satisfaction that the Zurich Wilderness Park can contribute to rebuilding the wild population with animals that were born here." The animals for Kazakhstan come from various European countries, with Prague Zoo playing a leading role in the project.

The return of the wild horses to their original habitat has a positive effect on the flora and fauna of the steppe. The large herbivores promote vegetation diversity, reduce the risk of steppe fires and support other species by digging water holes and creating food substrates.

Donate

Would you like to support the reintroduction of Galvan (transportation and veterinary costs) and the conservation breeding of Przewalski's horses in the Zurich Wilderness Park? Thank you very much for your donation!

Annual Report of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The Wildnispark Zürich is and remains a popular excursion destination: despite the slightly rainy summer weather, the number of visitors to the Sihlwald and the Wildlife Park Langenberg remained at the previous year's level with 631,000 visits.

Lynx and stone crayfish released into the wild

Species conservation plays an important role at Wildnispark Zurich: there were two special highlights in 2024. In autumn, two female lynxes born at Langenberg Wildlife Park were released into the wild in Germany to strengthen the endangered lynx population there. In addition, a multi-year reintroduction project for stone crayfish was launched in the Sihlwald. This critically endangered native crayfish species is to be given a well-protected habitat in the Sihlwald. The first forty animals have already been released, with more to follow.

Regionally anchored

The Wilnispark Zurich Foundation is tasked by its supporting organizations with raising public awareness of nature and wilderness, promoting environmental education and facilitating nature experiences. In 2024, the corresponding service agreement with the city of Zurich, the municipalities of the district of Horgen, the canton of Zurich and Pro Natura Zurich was renewed for a further four years. There is also an agreement with the federal government for the nationally recognized Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park, which has also been updated. The agreements underline the importance of the services provided by the Wilnispark Zurich Foundation for the common good and regional location marketing.

You can browse through the annual report at wildnispark.ch/jahresbericht or download it as a PDF. We will also be happy to send you printed copies on request. The annual report is only available in German.

Wild Sihlwald

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Together with the Thalwil Nature and Bird Conservation Association and the Sihl Valley Nature Conservation Association, Wilnidspark Zurich is celebrating the "25 years of the wild Sihlwald" anniversary on Sunday, May 4, at the Gattikon forest pond.

A program for the whole family

From 10:00 a.m., the post run will start, where families, children and all nature enthusiasts can test their knowledge of the Sihlwald and its inhabitants. There will also be plenty to eat and drink: the festival restaurant awaits you with tasty grilled sausages, sweet delicacies and refreshing drinks - perfect for enjoying the day to the full.

The Friends of the Zurich Wilderness Park will provide even more fun with the game "Who can crack the nut?". And if you're interested in the local wildlife, you can look forward to a real highlight: native crayfish! You can observe these fascinating animals up close and admire them in their natural environment.

Further information about the event

Hiking tip

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The bus line 240 takes you to the Albis Pass in Langnau am Albis. The route leads along Hochwachtstrasse in the direction of Albis Hochwacht/Sihlbrugg.

After a few hundred meters, a sign indicates that the WIldnispark Zurich now begins. On the left, there is a fantastic panoramic view of Zurich, Lake Zurich, the Sihl Valley and the Alps.

A paradise for woodpeckers

The forest begins on the right. There are tree trunks with woodpecker holes to discover along the entire hiking route. The high, round holes are usually made by great spotted woodpeckers, while the oval holes close to the ground are made by black woodpeckers. The caves are later also used by cavity-nesting birds, bats and dormice.

Shortly afterwards, the path leads past the former "Albisboden" gravel pit. The gravel was used to build forest roads. Later, a pond was created here on the initiative of the Sihltal Nature Conservation Association. Today, this small nature conservation oasis provides a habitat for amphibians and light-requiring plants. Butterflies find a good supply of nectar. The Sihlwald rangers mow the area annually and ensure that it does not become overgrown.

The spruce says goodbye

Before the hiking trail enters the forest, the first group of dead European spruce trees can be seen up the slope. European spruce - also known as spruce - is on the decline in the Swiss Plateau due to climate change. It occurs naturally in Switzerland at higher altitudes where it is damp and cool. Due to its economic attractiveness, it has been cultivated far beyond its original range in the Central Plateau.

Since 2018, around a third of all spruce trees in Sihlwald have died. Storms, heat and drought have taken their toll. The weakened trees are currently a paradise for the bark beetle. This in turn benefits birds and other insects that feed on the beetles. In the medium term, the bark beetle will disappear again - along with the spruce trees - and natural development will take its course.

Safety precautions for visitors

Shortly before the Albisboden hut, a strange picture presents itself: Here, weakened spruce trees have been cut down in the middle of the trunk. This measure is intended to protect visitors.

The team at Wildnispar Zurich takes great care to ensure that no suddenly falling trees endanger people. However, there is never absolute safety in nature. It is therefore important to exercise caution when out and about and only go into the forest when the weather is suitable and calm. You should also avoid standing under dry or leaning trees and only rest at marked picnic areas or fireplaces. One of the 20 or so official fireplaces is located right next to the hut.

If you prefer a more leisurely walk, continue straight ahead on the wide hiking trail; if you prefer more adventure, take a short detour to the right and follow a narrow, uncleared path that later rejoins the Hochwachtstrasse.

Dead wood: the basis of life for 6000 species

What is striking about the Sihlwald is that, unlike other forests, there are tree trunks lying on the ground everywhere. They are allowed to rot slowly. Only the footpaths and roads are regularly cleared.

The deadwood is important for biodiversity. Around a quarter of all species living in the forest depend on old or dead wood. In Switzerland, this amounts to around 6000 species. These include around 2500 fungi, 1300 beetles, 670 lichens and 130 snails - but also numerous other insects as well as some birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, for which old and dead trunks provide breeding cavities, food, cover or a moist environment.

Observation tower and castle ruins

The Albis-Hochwacht observation tower soon appears. 153 steps high, it offers a wonderful view over the treetops towards Zug, Zurich, Aargau and the Alps. From the lookout tower, the route continues to the northern Schnabellücke and from there down the valley towards Langnau-Gattikon. If you feel like it, take a detour via the ridge path to the Schnabelburg ruins, which were once inhabited by the barons of Eschenbach.

Strictly protected core zone

The descent on the Schnabelweg leads through the strictly protected core zone of the nature discovery park. Nature has priority here: leaving the paths and picking plants and mushrooms is prohibited. Particularly impressive: the traces of the 2021 landslide, which impressively show how the forest is developing dynamically. The first bushes and numerous pioneer plants are already sprouting again. Where there is now a lot of light on the ground thanks to the landslide, a closed young forest will soon form again. The natural, undisturbed forest cycle can be easily observed here.

Historical significance of the Sihlwald

The Sihlwald used to provide firewood for the city of Zurich. Today it is the largest natural forest reserve on the Central Plateau. A mixed beech forest that has been allowed to turn back into a wilderness for 25 years. It is one of the twenty Swiss parks of national importance. In 2010, it was awarded the "Nature Experience Park" label by the federal government. With an area of around 11 km2, it is a "mini national park" in the middle of the urban conurbation between Zurich and Zug. The courage to embrace wilderness is paying off: rare relict forest species that are dependent on near-natural forest structures have also been rediscovered in the Sihlwald, such as the small spherical beetle.

More about the anniversairy

New car park situation at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

What is changing?

For safety reasons, the parking spaces at the main entrance to Langenberg Wildlife Park have been removed in favor of a turning area. The access road is signalized accordingly. With immediate effect, the remaining parking spaces are reserved for staff and people with limited mobility.

Summer season – new opening hours

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Sihlwald

The Visitor Centre with shop and Sihlwald Exhibition is now open again in the afternoons from 1 - 5 pm. From Friday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays, the team from the Wildnispark Zürich will be happy to provide information on hiking routes, answer questions about the Nature Discovery Park Sihlwald or explain the detective game ‘Search for Traces’ to children.
The area with playground, fire pit, aquarium and otter enclosure is accessible at all times. There are also covered and wind-protected tables and seating.

You can find the exact opening times here.

Langenberg Wildlife Park

The Visitor Centre with shop and Sihlwald Exhibition is now open again in the afternoons from 1 – 5 pm. From Friday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays, the team from the Wildnispark Zürich will be happy to provide information on hiking routes, answer questions about the Nature Discovery Park Sihlwald or explain the detective game «Search for Traces» to children.
The area with playground, fire pit, aquarium and otter enclosure is accessible at all times. There are also covered and wind-protected tables and seating.

You can find the exact opening times here.

Customer Service

The customer service team at Wildnispark Zürich is available during the week and at weekends in the afternoons - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays also in the mornings.

You can find the exact contact times here.

Pedestrian bridge by the Visitor Centre Sihlwald closed

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Map

We are passionately committed to the lynx

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Our «Wildnis» magazine is now available again at Langenberg Wildlife Park and the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park Visitor Centre.

Our cover story is dedicated to the lynx. In 2024, two female lynxes born in the Zurich Wilderness Park were released into the wild in Germany; more will follow. The reason: in European countries, lynx living in the wild are threatened by inbreeding. The existing populations must be better networked to ensure regular genetic exchange between them.

We are also focussing on the anniversary of «25 years wild Sihlwald». For a quarter of a century, nature has been allowed to develop freely in the Sihlwald. The transformation from commercial forest to wilderness is impressive and can be experienced at first hand.

Wir freuen uns, wenn Sie die «Wildnis» inspiriert und Sie zu einem Besuch im Wildnispark Zürich animiert. Das Heft enthält auch unser Veranstaltungsprogramm und spannende Ausflugstipps.

We would be delighted if the «Wildnis» inspires you and encourages you to visit the Wildnispark Zurich Park. The magazine also contains our programme of events and exciting excursion tips.

Click here for the online edition

Book courses or excursions now!

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Immerse yourself in the wilderness – If you would like to get to know the Sihlwald forest or the animals in the Langenberg Wildlife Park, you can now reserve the dates of your choice in the agenda. With more than 60 events, the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation once again has a great program to offer this year.

Please note - some of them are free, others are worth booking early. Click here for the program overview

The events to mark the «25 years of the wild Sihlwald» anniversary are particularly exciting. Find out more here.

Christmas trees – a feast for moose and red deer

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Moose are voracious. An adult moose eats four to six conifers a day in winter. But they picky eaters – they prefer silver fir and Nordmann fir because their spikes are not as hurtful. However, Norway spruce will also do in a pinch.

Other wild animals in the Langenberg also occasionally eat conifers during the cold season – such as roe deer, red and fallow deer, bison and ibex. The Wildnispark Zurich needs 20 to 30 trees a day. It is therefore a great relief for the employees that Coop, Grün Stadt Zürich and other companies deliver their unsold trees to Wildnispark Zurich. «The stock usually lasts until the end of March, after which we collect the trees from forests in the surrounding area,» explains Christoph Spuler, Head of Ranger and Landscape Management.

No trees from private households

Used Christmas trees from private households cannot be brought to Wildnispark Zurich. Tinsel and wax residues would harm the animals. Checking each individual tree is too time-consuming.

Winter: Animals in survival mode

Moose not only switch to other forage plants in winter, they also reduce their body temperature to save energy and their heartbeat slows down as well.
Red deer are known to reduce their metabolism in very cold temperatures too. Their body temperature drops and their heartbeat is reduced by up to 60 percent. Their inner stomach surface also shrinks because less food is absorbed in winter. This type of hibernation is only possible if the animals feel absolutely safe. Every time they escape, their metabolism has to be revved up from economy mode to full operation. It is therefore important to avoid the wildlife rest areas when doing winter sports off-piste and to stay on the signposted routes and paths when walking in winter and not to startle wild animals.

Further information:

Zurich Wilderness Park: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, 044 722 55 22, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Image and film material

You can find the photos in high resolution under this link.

Captions:

Photo: The unsold Christmas trees are a delicacy for moose. (Photo: Wildnispark Zurich Foundation/Stefan Eichholzer)

Photo: Moose switch their diet to conifers in winter. (Photo: Wildnispark ZurichFoundation/Stefan Eichholzer)

Second lynx from Wildnispark Zurich released into the wild in Germany

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The last lynx in the German Alps was killed in 1850. Thanks to reintroduction projects since the 1970s, the population has grown to around 200 animals. However, without further releases and good habitat networking, the lynx will not survive in Germany. Initiatives are currently underway in several German federal states to support the lynx population.

Today, the second cub raised in the Wildnispark Zurich was released into the wild in Germany: The female named "Verena" is to strengthen the lynx population in Baden-Württemberg. "By actively releasing lynx into the wild, we want to promote the development of a lynx population in Baden-Württemberg and connect existing populations in Germany and Central Europe," explains Peter Hauk MdL, Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection in Baden-Württemberg. The one-and-a-half-year-old female has a similar name to her twin sister "Vreni", who was released into the wild in Thuringia (Germany) at the end of August.

European lynx populations are poorly connected

The wild lynx populations in Western and Central Europe are sometimes very isolated from one another, which means that the animals are threatened by inbreeding. For this reason, projects are underway in many European countries for the targeted reintroduction or population support of the lynx. The Linking Lynx network, in which lynx experts from all over Europe come together with the aim of creating a networked and thus viable metapopulation of lynx in Europe, plays an important role in this context. The Zurich Wilderness Park is one of the partner organizations of Linking Lynx.

Wildnispark Zurich prepares lynx for the wild

The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation participates in the European conservation breeding program for the Carpathian lynx. The lynx facility in Langenberg is one of the few in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for an independent life in the wild. They are reared with as little human contact as possible and are only given food animals that are similar to those in the wild - for example deer and stags, skin and hair.

Thanks to donations Wildnispark Zurich is able to meet the strict requirements: In addition to the careful selection of food and feeding with the help of special automatic feeders, this also includes near-natural planting that provides plenty of cover in the large enclosure.

Vreni has already settled in well

Although Vreni, as a lynx born in captivity, has never been able to hunt a deer on her own before, she is now doing so very successfully and her prey behavior hardly differs from that of a lynx born in the wild. "Lynx play an important role in biodiversity. Their presence has a positive effect on the ecosystem, especially in the forest, by helping to keep wild ungulates such as roe deer and stags on the move," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich . This reduces the browsing of young trees and benefits the forestry industry, an aspect that is often forgotten in the public debate about large carnivores.

Further information:

Contact Wildnispark Zurich: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, 044 722 55 22, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Media release Baden-Württemberg: PDF below

Picture: Vreni or Verena as a young animal. Photo: Stefan Eichholzer, Wildnispark Zurich

Wolf pack leader dies at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

At the end of October, the animal care team at Wildnispark Zurich discovered that the male pack leader was limping badly. Unfortunately, the veterinary examination revealed that it was a broken bone and that the male had little chance of recovery. To spare him unnecessary suffering, he was euthanised immediately.

The subsequent autopsy at the veterinary hospital to clarify the disease in more detail revealed that the male dog had a tumor in his right upper arm bone. As a result, the bone was broken.

The male wolf was already over nine years old. Wolves live to a similar age to many domestic dogs, often around 14 to 16 years. However, deviations upwards and downwards are possible.

Wolf packs today and in the future

The wolf pack at Langenberg Wildlife Park currently consists of the mother wolf, four females from 2023 and two cubs from 2024. It will remain this way until further notice. In the longer term, a new breeding pair is to be formed with a new male and a female from the existing pack.

Special find in the Sihlwald

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In mid-August, mushroom picker Brigitta Danuser was faced with a puzzle. She had found a mushroom in Wildnispark Zurich that she could not easily identify. The Zurich Mushroom Association, where she presented her find, was also initially puzzled as to the identity of the mushroom.

Due to the thick, distant lamellae, a snail mushroom was suggested as the solution. However, the brittle stem revealed that it belonged to the russula family and Christian Klee was able to identify it at home. It was a Russula camarophylla.

Rare mushroom species

According to the GBIF(Global Biodiversity Information Facility) database, the Russula camarophylla, which is widespread in Central and Western Europe, is only known from a few locations. The reasons for its rarity are unclear; it possibly fructifies very irregularly.

In terms of relationship and morphology, it is close to the black russula, but does not have blackening flesh. Microscopically, the very small, sparsely ornamented spores are characteristic.

Other finds in Sihlwald and the surrounding area

Surprisingly, this russula was discovered in September by Urs Frey and Godi Leuthold at other new locations on the Horgenberg and in the Sihlwald. The discovery thus joins a series of other special discoveries in Wildnispark Zurich (Scientific studies on biodiversity in the Sihlwald: Article 1 ; Article 2).

Source: SwissFungi Newsletter No. 23
Pictures: Godi Leuthold, Christian Klee

Hedgehog listed as an endangered species for the first time

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can be found in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia and Great Britain, among others. Over the past ten years, the number has declined by between 16 and 33 percent, depending on the country. In Flanders in Belgium and in Bavaria, it has even fallen by 50 percent. As hedgehogs only have offspring once a year, protecting their habitats is all the more important!

Piles of leaves and branches as shelter

Hedgehogs need to be better protected. In private gardens, for example, piles of leaves and branches provide them with shelter.

In recent years, the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich has created numerous new habitats for hedgehogs, weasels, wild bees and lizards on the grounds of the visitor center in Sihlwald. Anyone who would like to make a contribution to promoting biodiversity at home can find numerous practical instructions (wildnispark.ch/diversity) on how to build such small structures at. Get involved! – in favor of biodiversity.

Working together in the Zimmerberg nature network

Launched in 2023, Naturnetz Zimmerberg promotes biodiversity projects across municipal boundaries. Among other things, the network is currently also strongly committed to the hedgehog. The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation is a member of the Zimmerberg Nature Network expert committee.

Winter season - adjustment of opening hours

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Customer service

During the winter season, the customer service of the Wildnispark Zurich has changed its hours. From now on, customer service will only be available all day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On all other days, on weekends, and public holidays, the service is only available in the afternoons. You can find the exact hours here.

Sihlwald

Please note that the visitor center and the nature museum in Sihlwald will be closed during the winter season until 29 March 2024. The area with playground, fire pit, aquarium and otter enclosure will remain accessible. There are also covered and wind-protected tables and seating.

The Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park is worth a visit all year round! Take the adventure trail or hike through the breathtakingly beautiful nature in winter. You can find more information about the hikes here.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our premises at the start of the season on the last weekend in March!

Langenberg Wildlife Park

The park area is freely accessible all year round. The Wildcat House and Müsli-Hüsli animal enclosures and the Langenberg West park area close at 16:00. The Langenberg restaurant closes at 15:00 on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The shop is open at weekends from 12:00 - 16:00.

You can find the exact opening hours here.

Visit Langenberg Wildlife Park in winter too! Most of our animals are active all year round and you might catch a good glimpse of one or two of them through the trees with few leaves.

Lynx Vreni from Wildnipark Zurich has settled in well in Germany

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Vreni, the female lynx born at Langenberg Wildlife Park, was released into the wild in Germany around a month ago. Now there is good news: "She is doing very well, our young Swiss lynx!" reports Markus Port, project coordinator of "Luchs Thüringen". Initially, she killed small prey animals, but she has now also been able to take several deer. "So although Vreni has never been able to hunt a deer before as an enclosure animal, she is already doing this very successfully and her prey behavior is hardly any different from that of a lynx born in the wild," explains Markus Port.

Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich, is delighted: "According to statistics, deer are the main prey of wild lynx. We have specifically prepared Vreni for this at Langenberg Wildlife Park ." Lynx that are to be released into the wild are only given food animals at Wildnispark Zurich that are the same as those in the wild - for example deer and stags, skin and hair. The lynx enclosure at Langenberg Wildlife Park is one of the few in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for an independent life in the wild. They are reared here with as little human contact as possible. The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is currently collecting donations for this ambitious project.

Positive influence on the forest ecosystem

Karin Hindenlang Clerc: "Lynx play an important role for biodiversity. Their presence has a positive effect on the ecosystem, especially in the forest, by helping to regulate wild ungulates such as roe deer and stags." Among other things, this has a positive impact on the browsing of young trees and benefits forestry, an aspect that is often forgotten in the public debate about large carnivores.

Closeness to male lynx Kilian

Since her release into the wild, Vreni has had an action radius of around 7 km² in the vicinity of her enclosure in the central Thuringian Forest. This means that she is still on the move. However, this is normal for an animal that has just been released into the wild. A wild lynx normally has a home range of over 50 km².

"Based on the current transmitter data, we suspect that Kilian from Nuremberg, who was released into the wild with Vreni, is also still in her vicinity," explains Markus Port. Vreni and Kilian had shared a compartment of the coordination enclosure in the wild cat village of Hütscheroda and got on very well there.

Reintroduction of lynx in Thuringia

The wild lynx populations in Western and Central Europe are threatened by inbreeding, as the individual populations are sometimes very isolated from one another. The "Lynx Thuringia" project aims to connect populations in the Harz Mountains and the Bavarian Forest. More about the project: www.luchs-thueringen.de and www.linking-lynx.org

Further information:

Wildnispark Zurich: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, 044 722 55 22, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch
Project Lynx Thuringia: Dr. Markus Port, +49 160 98011164, m.port@bund-thueringen.de

Image material:
Film sequences and a photo in high resolution can be found under this link. Legends:

Vreni, a female Swiss lynx released into the wild at the end of August, sniffs at a photo trap in the Thuringian Forest. Source: Zurich Wilderness Park/ "Lynx Thuringia" project
Video of the release: At the same time as Vreni, the male Kilian from Nuremberg Zoo was released into the wild. The video shows Kilian first, followed by Vreni. The female lynx can be recognized by the more pronounced pattern of her fur. source: Zurich Wilderness Park/ Alexander Sommer.

Stone crayfish released into the wild in the Sihlwald forest

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Crayfish used to be widespread in Switzerland. However, the four native species are now under severe pressure. In 2011, the federal government launched the "Swiss Crayfish Action Plan". This proposes various measures to protect the native crayfish species. These include, among other things, colonization and reintroduction in suitable bodies of water.

And with good reason: crayfish play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem. As omnivores, they break down dead plants or the remains of dead fish, for example. They also serve as food for numerous animals, including larger fish such as pike, as well as foxes, otters, martens and herons.

Stone crayfish for the Chrebsächerli

Environmental engineer Marc Furrer from the ZHAW analyzed the habitat potential for crayfish in the northwest of the Sihlwald in 2022. The Chrebsächerli area is also located there. This field name indicates that crayfish used to be found here. Furrer no longer found any crayfish populations in the area investigated. However, he believes that the Tomenrainbach stream, which rises above the Chrebsächerli, is a suitable habitat for the reintroduction of stone crayfish and jackdaw crayfish.

Promoting rare native species

This afternoon, the time had finally come: 40 adult stone crayfish were released into the wild in Chräbsächerli. They come from donor streams in the Zimmerberg region.

"The stone crayfish is the smallest European crayfish species. It inhabits watercourses with a stony substrate that are free of organic wastewater and therefore finds good conditions in the Sihlwald", explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich. "In the strictly protected core zone of the park, humans should no longer have any influence on nature," explains the biologist, "but the nature experience zone still has great potential in various places to promote rare animal and plant species. We are seizing this opportunity."

Rolf Schatz, President of the Sihl Valley Nature Conservation Association and specialist in crayfish, was responsible for the transfer of the crayfish. He has already supported several crayfish reintroduction projects: "We also have to get involved with species that may not look very attractive at first glance." Crayfish are an important indicator of the good quality of a body of water. He then adds: "Crayfish are stubborn, that's what I like about them."

The reintroduction in Sihlwald will last a total of four years. From 2024 to 2026, crayfish will be introduced each fall. A final check will take place in 2028.

Harald Huber, President of the Förderverein Wildnispark Zürich, which now has over 600 members, also has reason to be pleased. The association is committed to the stone crayfish: it collects donations and actively helps with the reintroduction. Over 40 members were present at the reintroduction event. Further donations for the project are welcome.

((Box))

The four native crayfish

Habitat loss and invasive species are making it difficult for the four native crayfish species to survive. The noble crayfish, which mainly lives in still waters, is endangered, while the stone crayfish and jackdaw crayfish, which prefer streams and rivers, are highly endangered. The Italian jackdaw crayfish, which is native to the canton of Graubünden and Ticino, is even threatened with extinction.

Further information:

Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, karin.hindenlang@wildnispark.ch, 044 722 55 18
Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch, 044 722 55 24
Rolf Schatz, President of the Sihltal Nature Conservation Association, rolfschatz@hispeed.ch, 079 413 29 46

Images in high resolution:

ZIP with a selection of images below.

Captions:

Young stone crayfish: crayfish have to shed their skin in order to grow. Image: Photo archive of Wildnispark Zurich
The release site: Thanks to its near-natural banks and lots of dead wood, the Tomenrainbach is a suitable habitat for crayfish. Image: Wildnispark Zurich /Mirella Wepf
Lively interest in an endangered native species: over 40 members of the friends of Wildnispark Zurich took part in the reintroduction. Image:Wildnispark Zurich /Mirella Wepf
Rolf Schatz: The crayfish specialist transferred 40 adult crayfish from waters in the Zimmerberg region to the Sihwald. Two thirds females, one third males. Image:Wildnispark Zurich /Mirella Wepf
Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich: "We should use every opportunity to promote rare and endangered species." Image:Wildnispark Zurich /Mirella Wepf

Wilderness day in the Sihlwald

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Wildlife Day in Sihlwald offers fun, games and exciting nature knowledge for the whole family on the Sunday after next. The focus is on the magnificent sand lizard, hedgehogs, wild bees and other small animals.

If you want to find out more about the bright green sand lizard, the lecture by biologist Niklaus Peyer is just right for you. The Junior Rangers of Wildnispark Zurich and the Wilderness Messengers will be presenting native lizards and their close relative, the slow worm, at their information stands. Pro Natura Zurich presents the animal of the year: the polecat.

Children can take part in a treasure hunt in the area, where they have to solve riddles about frogs, salamanders and toads. The Friends of the Wildnispark Zurich and Zürcher Kantonalbank will be on site with games of skill. There is even gold to be won at the ZKB.

The Nature Museum is also worth a visit: it shows the diversity and history of the Sihlwald as well as the current special exhibition "Sand lizard - Everything alright?". And last but not least, it's worth exploring the immediate surroundings of the nature museum: Here, the rangers of Wildnispark Zurich have worked with volunteers to create new habitats for animals such as hedgehogs, sand lizards, wild bees and weasels. The result is impressive: On sunny days, it hums, buzzes, crawls and flies like crazy here. Perhaps visitors to the Wildlife Day will be inspired to create such habitats in their own gardens?

The Wildlife Day takes place on Sunday, September 29 from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm. The stands are located on the grounds of the visitor center near the Sihlwald train station.

Link to the detailed program of the event: wildnispark.ch/wildnistag

Further information:
Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications
Phone 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

High-resolution images can be found in the ZIP folder below

Captions:

Wildlife Day in Sihlwald: The focus is on the magnificent sand lizard, hedgehogs, wild bees and other small animals. Using concrete examples, experts show how small animals can be supported in gardens, parks and natural landscapes. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Nadine Colin
Sand lizard in the Sihlwald: The magnificent sand lizard takes center stage on Wilderness Day in the Sihlwald. Thanks to support measures, the populations along the Sihl have developed well. Image: Wildnispark Zurich, Roland Kuemmerle
Wilderness day in sight! The stoat also needs piles of branches to hide in. You can find out how these can be built on the wilderness day in Sihlwald. Picture: Wildnispark Zurich, Stefan Eichholzer

Lynx from Wildnispark Zurich released into the wild in Germany

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0200

In spring 2023, two female lynx were born at Langenberg Wildlifepark. Even back then, they were seen as hopefuls who could help preserve the Eurasian lynx in Europe, as the Zurich Wilderness Park participates in the European conservation breeding program for the lynx. Yesterday evening the time had come: one of the two sisters was released into the wild in the Thuringian Forest.

European lynx populations are poorly connected

The wild lynx populations in Western and Central Europe are under threat. The individual populations are sometimes very isolated from each other, which means that the animals are threatened by inbreeding. For this reason, projects are underway in many European countries for the targeted reintroduction or population support of the lynx. The Linking Lynx network, which brings together lynx experts from all over Europe, plays an important role in this context. The experts come together with the aim of creating a networked and thus viable metapopulation of lynx in Europe.

Wildnispark Zurich prepares lynxes for the wild

The lynx facility at Langenberg Wildlifepark is one of the few in Europe where young lynx can be prepared for an independent life in the wild. They are reared with as little human contact as possible and are only given food animals that are similar to those in the wild - for example deer and stags.

Thanks to donations, the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is able to meet the strict requirements: In addition to the careful selection of food and feeding using special automatic feeders, this also includes near-natural planting that provides plenty of cover in the large enclosure. The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is currently collecting donations for this ambitious project.

Reintroduction of lynx in Thuringia

The lynx population in the Thuringian Forest is intended to link the previously isolated populations in the Harz Mountains and the Bavarian Forest. Up to 20 lynx are to be reintroduced between 2024 and 2027 so that a stable population can develop in the Thuringian Forest in the long term. (More about the project www.luchs-thueringen.de)

The reintroductions began in mid-May 2024. The female lynx from the Langenberg Wildlifepark is the fourth animal to be released into the wild, together with a male from Nuremberg Zoo. This is in the hope that the two might mate with each other. Genetically, they are a good match. They were selected by those responsible for the European Conservation Breeding Program.

The name of the lynx: Vreni

All lynx released into the wild in the Thuringian Forest are given a name by those responsible for the project. The female from the Wildnispark Zurich is called Vreni - the shy one. She was a very shy animal right from the start," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Wildnispark Zurich. "Thanks to this trait, she was selected for release into the wild."

Further information:

Wildnispark Zurich: Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications, 044 722 55 22, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Linking Lynx: Dr. Kristina Vogt, Linking Lynx Coordinator, KORA Foundation, 031 951 70 40, k.vogt@kora.ch

Project Lynx Thuringia:
Dr. Markus Port, +49 160 98011164, m.port@bund-thueringen.de
Dr. Max Boxleitner, +49 151 18854867, max.boxleitner@wwf.de

Image and film material

Below you will find film sequences and a photo in high resolution as ZIP.

Captions:

Photo: Female lynx Vreni was born in the Wildnispark Zurich. Yesterday evening the animal was released into the wild in the Thuringian Forest (Germany). Here the female lynx leaves the acclimatization enclosure at the release site. Source: Wildnispark Zürich / Alexander Sommer.

Video: At the same time as Vreni, the male Kilian from Nuremberg Zoo was released into the wild. The video shows Kilian first, followed by Vreni. She can be recognized by the more pronounced pattern on her fur. source: Wildnispark Zurich / Alexander Sommer.

Rescue service practises at Langenberg Wildlife Park

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Don't be startled. On Wednesday, August 14, rescue workers from Schutz & Rettung Horgen and the Langnau am Albis fire department will be training for emergencies at Langenberg Wildlife Park with the help of the animal keeper team. Various emergency scenarios are practiced at several spots in the Wildlife Parl. Some sections of the paths or access to the animal enclosures may therefore be temporarily restricted.

Young otters in Wildnispark Zurich

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Otters are among the public's favorites at Wildnispark Zurich. Now there is good news about the charming «water marten»: the otter couple, who has been living in the near-natural enclosure in Sihlwald since 2022, has had offspring. «The young were born on 18 May,» explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Wildnispark Zurich. Their sex is not yet known.

European otters are nest-feeding animals; they remain in the whelping den for the first two months and are suckled by their mother. This is why they have been only spotted now. Young otters are really shy of water at the beginning. They have to learn to swim from their mother. Only with time do they develop into virtuoso swimmers who can dive for up to seven minutes and devour almost a kilo of food per day. Mostly fish, but also frogs, eggs, birds and other small animals.

The otter is an endangered species in Europe, which is why the European conservation breeding program for Lutra lutra was launched by the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) in 1985. Wildnispark Zurich Wildlife has also been involved in the program since 2005.

Originally, the otter inhabited the banks of all Swiss waters up to 1600 meters above sea level. From 1989, the species was considered extinct in this country. Otters were heavily hunted, and it is also assumed that pollution of the waters by the environmental toxin PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and other changes to the habitat were partly responsible for their extinction.

Animals have been spotted again sporadically since 2009: on the Aare, the Hinterrhein, the Ticino, the Rhone and the Inn. No reintroductions are currently planned in Switzerland. However, it cannot be ruled out that the gene pool of free-living otters will have to be strengthened in the future by releasing suitable animals into the wild in order to ensure the long-term survival of the population.

National Holiday, Thursday, 1 August 2024

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Fireworks pollute the environment with particulate matter and waste, bring with them the risk of forest fires and cause stress for animals. The noise, smell and glow of fireworks cause wild animals to panic. We want to avoid all of this. For this reason, setting off fireworks is prohibited on Thursday, 1 August, both at Langenberg Wildlife Park and at Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park.

Rare beetle discovered in Wildnispark Zurich

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park is the largest natural forest reserve in the canton of Zurich. Since 2000, the former commercial forest has been allowed to revert to a wilderness. Dead trees are not removed here. This has a positive effect on biodiversity. For example, the tinder fungus can be observed more and more frequently on the trunks of dead beech trees in the Sihlwald. Its fruiting body serves as a food source and habitat for numerous insect species, in particular Bolitophagus reticulatus, the notch-necked tinder fungus beetle. This beetle grows to around 6 to 7 millimetres in size and is a clear indicator of a forest's closeness to nature.

"This is the first record of this beetle species in the canton of Zurich," explains Thibault Lachat, professor at the BFH-HAFL School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, who regularly conducts research in the Sihlwald forest. He discovered some specimens in the Sihlwald on June 25, 2024 during a control tour. "The species has only rarely been sighted in the rest of Switzerland," explains the forest ecologist. The species was probably almost extinct in Switzerland." It is currently slowly spreading again in Europe. "Bolitophagus reticulatus is considered to be very mobile; the species will presumably re-colonize wherever the tinder fungus can establish itself with numerous fruiting bodies."

The researcher sees this as a positive sign: "To preserve our biodiversity, we need a lot of deadwood, i.e. a good mix of near-natural commercial forests and forest reserves." The discovery of Bolitophagus reticulatus in the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park shows that the area is developing into an important hotspot and reservoir for biodiversity. "Natural forest reserves such as the Sihlwald have an important function: larger populations of rare species can form here and recolonize other habitats from this reservoir."

Revitalization of the Sihl from 2026

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

More than a hundred years ago, many streams and rivers throughout Switzerland were straightened and dammed to protect them from flooding and to gain land. The formerly diverse and dynamic rivers and streams have become ecologically impoverished as a result. High-quality habitats for animals and plants are also lacking in and along the Sihl near Sihlwald. This is why the Canton of Zurich and SBB want to jointly revitalize an approximately 1.8-kilometre-long section of the Sihl near the Sihlwald SZU terminus and the Zurich Wilderness Park visitor center.

The revitalization is a joint project of the Canton of Zurich and SBB. It is part of the environmental measures as part of the new concession for the SBB's Etzelwerk hydroelectric power plant. The ewz naturemade star fund and the federal government are also making financial contributions. The costs are expected to amount to around CHF 14 million. According to the project management, construction is scheduled to start in 2026 at the earliest. The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation welcomes the planned enhancement measures in the perimeter of the Zurich Wilderness Park for the benefit of biodiversity and park visitors. The foundation is a member of the project's advisory group.

You can find more information on the website of the Canton of Zurich.

Excursion tip

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Eurasian lynxes are among the public's favorites at Langenberg Wildlife Park. However, these magnificent big cats are endangered in the wild. By rearing young animals that can be released into the wild, the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is working with other nature conservation organizations to save the wild lynxes in Western Europe from extinction.

Anyone who would like to find out more about this topic will have the opportunity to do so on the "Lynx and Dragonfly" wilderness day, which takes place on June 16 at Langenberg Wildlife Park. The lecture "The lynx in Europe - breeding and reintroduction" by Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at the Wildnispark Zurich and Kristina Vogt from the KORA Foundation is one of the highlights of the event. It takes place in all weathers and has something to offer the whole family from 13:30 to 16:30.

Guided tours, games and information stands

Other attractions include A special themed stand on dragonflies, a short safari on bison, the Pro Natura mobile on the polecat, the animal of the year 2024, as well as information stands on wolves, bears, red deer and bison.

Zürcher Kantonalbank - the main sponsor of the Wildnispark Zurich - will also be present with its popular skittles game. There is real, fair gold to be won.

Program overview wilderness day: wildnispark.ch/wildnistag

Change in the Foundation Members' Meeting

Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Andreas Hasler is stepping down from the Founders' Assembly at the end of May. He has represented Pro Natura Zurich as the sponsoring and founding organisation of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation in the Foundation Members' Meeting since 2008.
We would like to thank Andreas Hasler for his many years of commitment to the Wildnispark Zurich.

His seat will be taken by Nora Hug, Co-Managing Director of Pro Natura Zurich.
We warmly welcome Mrs Hug to the Foundation Members' Meeting and look forward to working with her!

The sponsors of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation include the Canton of Zurich, the municipalities of the Horgen district, the City of Zurich and Pro Natura Zurich. The interests of the sponsors are represented in the Foundation Members' Meeting. This elects and supervises the Board of Trustees and approves the service agreement, which is renewed every five years. It also has decision-making powers on all strategic matters and determines major expenditure within the framework of the budget and monitors the handling of business matters.

New president and management of zooschweiz

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

At the end of May, the ten members of zooschweiz unanimously elected Karin Federer as the new President. Federer is Director of the Walter Zoo in Gossau and takes over from Caspar Bijleveld. The director of the Papiliorama in Kerzers headed zooschweiz for 3 years.

At the same time, they have reorganised their board. In addition to the President, it consists of four zoo directors: Karin Hindenlang (Langenberg Wildlife Park, previously), Friederike von Houwald (Bern Zoo, previously), Michel Ansermet (Aquarium/Vivarium Aquatis Lausanne, new) and Severin Dressen (Zurich Zoo, new).

There are also changes at the zooschweiz office. The Board of Directors has appointed Adrian Zaugg as the organisation's new Managing Director.

Zoo Switzerland is the umbrella organisation for progressive Swiss zoos. Its members are committed to exemplary and scientifically based animal husbandry. Other cornerstones are a wide range of educational programmes and far-reaching commitment to national and international nature and species conservation.

Annual report 2023

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation's 2023 annual report offers exciting insights behind the scenes. It shows how the first year of operation of the new emergency care station for bats at Langenberg Wildlife Park went and the measures the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation is taking to promote biodiversity in Sihlwald and Langenberg Wildlife Park, for example with the construction of reptile castles along the Sihl. These efforts are paying off.

More sand lizards observed

Monitoring of sand lizards in the Sihlwald forest published in 2023 shows compared to an inventory in 2020, the number of sand lizard sightings has increased significantly. This is encouraging, as the sand lizard population in Switzerland is classified as vulnerable. In keeping with the theme, the Nature Museum of the Wildnispark Zurich in Sihlwald is currently showing the special exhibition "Sand lizard. Everything alright?".

Wildnispark Zurich is a popular excursion destination

In a representative survey, the Wildnispark Zurich received high marks from its guests. The park enjoys a good reputation not only as a popular excursion destination, but also as a nature conservation organization between the urban centers of Zurich and Zug. "As the oldest zoo in Switzerland, Langenberg Wildlife Park has long been known beyond the region. Now the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park has also become much better known among the population," says Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation, delighted with the results. Around 630,000 visits were recorded in Sihlwald and Langenberg Wildlife Park in 2023.

Digital technology

The ranger team at Sihlwald and the animal care team at Langenberg Wildlife Park are increasingly using cell phones as a work tool. The focus article in the 2023 annual report shows how digital technology and nature and species conservation work closely together.

You can browse through the annual report at wildnispark.ch/annualreport or download it as a PDF. We will also be happy to send you printed copies on request (in German only).

Lynx from the Langenberg makes headlines

Wed, 08 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200

European lynxes living in the wild are threatened by inbreeding. The Wildnispark Zurich is participating in the European conservation breeding program. A female born in 2023 is to be released into the wild in Germany to strengthen the gene pool of the free-ranging population.

An incident occurred on Tuesday evening during preparations for the transport to Germany. Until a few days ago, the animal had been living in a part of the lynx enclosure where animals are specifically prepared for life in the wild. In order to bring it to Germany, it was temporarily moved to the old cat enclosure at Langenberg Wildlife Park. Around midday, the female lynx escaped from this enclosure and climbed a nearby tree.

The management of the Wildnispark Zürich then decided to call out the fire department to rescue the female lynx using the fire ladder. The animal was anaesthetised and could be safely removed from the tree. A vet was also on site and examined the female lynx – she is doing well.

Today, Wednesday, it will be transported to Thüringen as planned, where it will be kept in a so-called coordination enclosure over the coming months in preparation for its release into the wild in the fall.

The animal and the situation were always under control. The female lynx was under observation the whole time and in a part of the enclosure that was not accessible to visitors.

The return of the large herbivores

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Today it is almost impossible to imagine: 150 years ago, ibex, red deer, roe deer and wild boar were completely or almost extinct in Switzerland.

A new exhibition at Langenberg Wildlife Park impressively shows how the large herbivores were able to recapture Switzerland and what role they play in the native ecosystem. For example, they spread seeds or create forest clearings through their feeding behavior, which provide habitats for light-loving animal, fungi and plant species.

A look at the "Wisent Thal" project

Elk and bison, which used to be native to this country, have not yet returned. The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation, to which the Langenberg Wildlife Park also belongs, is currently supporting a pilot project in the canton of Solothurn to reintroduce bison to Switzerland: the "Wisent Thal" project. The fenced-in test herd in the municipality of Welschenrohr comes from the Langenberg Wildlife Park.

Family-friendly exhibition - free admission

The family-friendly exhibition is located in the elk house in Langenberg West, between the elk and bison enclosures near the entrance at Albisstrasse 4. It also dedicates a section to the "Wisent Thal" project. A special attraction is the skeleton of a bison cow that lived in the Langenberg Wildlife Park for 18 years and had to be put out of its old age. What child wouldn't want to compare themselves with the body size of Europe's largest land mammal? The taxidermy was made possible by the Lions Club Sihltal.

The exhibition is open 365 days a year. Admission is free, donations are very welcome.

S4 replacement bus between Langnau-Gattikon and Sihlwald

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

In order to protect the lower Sihl valley and the city of Zurich from flooding, the canton of Zurich is building a relief tunnel between Langnau am Albis and Thalwil, through which water can be diverted from the Sihl directly into Lake Zurich.

Tunnel dilling works will start in mid-April; the excavated material will be transported away by rail. For this reason, the section of the S4 between Langnau-Gattikon and Sihlwald station will be closed to passenger trains from April 15 to December 24, 2024. During this time, rail replacement buses will run twice an hour between the two stations with a direct connection to the S4. However, the SZU recommends allowing a little more time for the journey to and from Sihlwald.

Sihlwald bus from Horgen back in service

The seasonal bus route 137 will run again between Horgen station and the old Sihlbrugg station up to and including October 27, 2024. It will also make a stop in Sihlwald. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the bus will run every hour in the afternoon. On Sundays and public holidays, it runs every hour from the late morning.

Three young wolves have moved to Basel

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

In the wild, wolves grow up in packs. This consists of the two parents, the pups from the current year and possibly from the previous year. At the age of one to two years, the growing wolves have to leave the pack. Both females and males then set off on a migration in search of a mate and their own territory. They can cover long distances of several hundred kilometers on these migrations.

New wolf enclosure at Lange Erlen Zoo

Three males born in Zurich Wildlife Park in 2023 have left Langenberg Zoo and been transferred to Basel's Lange Erlen Zoo. The trio will live in the park's new floodplain landscape, which officially opens on April 19.

"I am delighted that we have found a new, good home for three of the seven young animals from last year," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, to which Tierpark Langenberg belongs. For the other four cubs - all females - places in zoos or animal parks are also being sought.

Wolves in Switzerland

The wolf was extinct in Switzerland for a long time. Since 1995, wolves have been returning to Switzerland from Italy and France. Several packs have now formed in the western, southern and eastern Alps; in 2022, the wolf population in Switzerland was estimated at around 240 animals.

As a native species, the wolf plays an important role in biodiversity. Its presence has a positive effect on the ecosystem, for example by helping to regulate wild ungulates such as deer and roe deer.

Studies show that where wolves live, there is less browsing damage to trees by wild ungulates. The wolf influences not only the number but also the spatial distribution of its prey.

However, the presence of the wolf also poses a social challenge, as conflicts of interest arise around the return of the wolf. For example, as a result of attacks by wolves on livestock.

The social discourse on coexistence with wolves will be intensified in many European countries in the coming years.

The pictures were taken in 2023 and show the young wolves at Langenberg Zoo.

"Fence lizard. Is everything okay?"

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The sand lizard loves clutter. It uses piles of stones and branches as shelter. Its preferred habitat is dry areas, embankments, hedges and strips of old grass along fences. The sand lizard is rarely found on intensively used agricultural land and in "tidy" gardens. In Switzerland, the sand lizard is therefore considered a vulnerable species and is on the Red List.

The new special exhibition "Sand lizard. Everything all right?", which the Nature Museum of the Zurich Wilderness Park is presenting in Sihlwald from April 12. The family-friendly and varied exhibition was designed by the Lucerne Museum in collaboration with the Albert Koechlin Foundation. Opening hours Nature Museum: Wed-Fri 12-5pm; Sat and Sun 9am-6pm

New small animal living community in Sihlwald

Right next to the Nature Museum, visitors have the opportunity to observe sand lizards in the wild. With the support of the Friends of the Zurich Wilderness Park, the surrounding area has been redesigned and supplemented with an interactive nature trail. Sand lizards, insects, hedgehogs and other small animals feel at home in the new "small animal living community".

A portrait of the sand lizard

The sand lizard is the second largest lizard species in Switzerland after the green lizard. It feeds mainly on insects. During the mating season in spring, the flanks of the males turn bright green. Both sexes can also be easily recognized by the eye-like spots on their skin.

Spring is here: start of the season at Zurich Wilderness Park!

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Mushroom and wild plant courses, guided tours of the animal park or wilderness days for the whole family; with over 300 events, the Zurich Wilderness Park offers a varied program and attractions for all nature-loving people.

Proven and new

The guided tour of the wild boar enclosure has long been a hit and is therefore a must this year too. You can go on a "wild boar safari" under expert guidance every Sunday and on public holidays. In collaboration with the new catering team at Restaurant Langenberg, Zurich Wilderness Park now offers various culinary highlights, such as a twilight tour of the zoo with an aperitif by the campfire followed by a feast of wild game. Once a month, there is also a lavish brunch with a guided tour of the zoo.

Another new offer is "forest bathing" - a well-known relaxation method from Japan, where you can immerse yourself in the natural forest with all your senses.

Amphibians: searching for traces for children

From Wednesday to Sunday, the Zurich Wilderness Park in Sihlwald offers a tricky search for clues for children. Clever young detectives can solve puzzles about frogs, salamanders and newts on the grounds of the visitor center. Those who answer all the questions will receive a prize sponsored by Zürcher Kantonalbank. The visitor center is open from Wednesday to Friday between 12 noon and 5 pm, and at weekends between 9 am and 6 pm.

Further information on the program and individual group offers can be found here.

Camping open again

The Sihlwald campsite also starts the new season on Good Friday. The camping bistro offers snacks, crêpes, ice cream and small menus for hungry walkers.

Further information can be found here.

Exciting insights behind the scenes

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Our magazine "Wildnis " is now available again at Langenberg Zoo and the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park Visitor Center. It focuses on two animal species that became extinct in Switzerland 150 years ago: Red deer and Alpine ibex. It's hard to imagine that today!

Read on to find out why the populations of these cloven-hoofed animals have been able to recover and why the Alpine ibex is still endangered despite this success story.

In order to preserve endangered species, the Zurich Wilderness Park participates in eight international breeding programs for native and formerly native wild animals. The Alpine ibex breeding program is new; it was launched by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums EAZA in 2022. Langenberg Zoo is actively involved.

We would be delighted if "Wilderness" inspires you and encourages you to visit Zurich Wildlife Park. The magazine also contains our event program and exciting excursion tips. And last but not least: we are currently collecting donations for the renovation of the 75-year-old ibex enclosure.

Click here for the online edition

"There's something delicious for everyone!"

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100

You recently took over the operation of Restaurant Langenberg and have created numerous new offers. What do you offer guests?

There's something delicious for everyone! Classic children's dishes and burgers, as well as vegetarian and vegan menus. We also have something for people with gluten or lactose intolerance. We now offer a brunch once a month, combined with a guided tour of the zoo. In the fall, we offer a twilight tour with a game feast around the campfire.

What do you offer for parties?

We set up the Jägerstübli as a playroom for children's birthday parties. We serve cake and syrup, table bombs and much more on request. Parents can also book a child-friendly guided tour of the park.

We also cater for after-school care centers and schools. We are also happy to provide a suitable culinary setting for family, company or club events.

Zoo Restaurants GmbH, the company you work for, also runs the catering outlets at Zurich Zoo. What do you do differently at Langenberg Zoo?

Zurich Zoo is home to animals from all over the world. At Langenberg Zoo, visitors can get to know local animals better. We design the menu accordingly: At Zurich Zoo, our dishes are a little more international, while at Langenberg the focus is on local dishes.

Sustainability is very important to you. What does that mean in concrete terms?

We buy as regionally as possible. We don't fly in goods or use palm oil. Meat and fish come from Switzerland, and we also offer organic products.

We actively combat food waste by analyzing our food waste and adapting our range accordingly.

Is it still possible to stay overnight at the Langenberg?

Oh, yes! We have six beautifully furnished rooms. Spending the night here and going for a walk in the zoo late at night or early in the morning is a special experience!

If you book a group tour of Sihlwald or Langenberg Zoo, you can order an aperitif from us.

That's right! Our "Standard" aperitif offer is particularly attractive. It includes white wine, orange juice, beer and water as well as salty snacks such as vegetable potato chips, curry cashew nuts, Chäsmöckli, macarons with goat's cheese, charcuterie canapés and antipasti.

We cater for groups in the Ofenstübli at Langenberg Zoo. In bad weather inside, in good weather on the Stübli terrace. In Sihlwald we serve aperitifs under the roofs of the old coach house, protected from rain or blazing sun.

The Restaurant Langenberg is open 365 days a year.
For further information or reservations

The beaver has arrived in Sihlwald

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

200 years ago, the beaver disappeared from Switzerland due to intensive hunting. Thanks to successful reintroduction projects between 1956 and 1977, the population of these rodents has developed well again. Today, almost 5,000 animals live in Switzerland. The beavers living in the canton of Zurich are mainly the result of releases in the Aargau moated castle, the Nussbaumersee lakes in Thurgau and the Thurspitz in Zurich. Beavers have been reintroduced to the Limmat for some time. Now this population has slowly spread along the Sihl from Zurich main station, where the Limmat and Sihl rivers meet. The beaver has recently been observed in Sihlwald - a welcome addition to the biodiversity of the Zurich Wilderness Park!

A landscape gardener with four paws

The beaver is a pure vegetarian. Its diet includes around 300 herbaceous or woody plants. They like to eat meadowsweet, white honey clover, dock knotweed, dandelion and nettles. Europe's largest rodent cuts down trees, builds castles and dams and dams streams. This is how the beaver shapes the landscape and creates valuable habitats for other species. "We are delighted that the beaver wants to settle in Sihlwald again," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation. This animal species is an important part of the local ecosystem. Hindenlang: "We are curious to see how it will cope with the Sihl and its strongly fluctuating water volumes."

Beavers usually like to live in slow-flowing and stagnant waters with trees and shrubs close to the banks. Whether the beaver will also use the steep streams in the Sihl Valley as a habitat in future remains to be seen. One thing is certain: as long as the beaver does not endanger any infrastructure or footpaths and cycle paths, it is allowed to roam freely in the Sihlwald. As the holder of the Nature Discovery Park label, Sihlwald is one of the twenty parks of national importance. Nature is allowed to develop freely here.

Construction work and closure of the playgrounds at Langenberg Zoo

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Construction work will begin in the first week at the toddlers' playground diagonally opposite the Bärenanlage next to the restaurant. From Monday, January 22, the large playground diagonally below the Langenberg restaurant will be completely closed and the playground excavator will also be temporarily inaccessible.

The reason for the construction work is the renewal of the fall protection and a new climbing element for our youngest guests.

Renovation in the Elchhaus

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Large herbivores such as the bison play a key role in nature. Langenberg Zoo is dedicating a new exhibition to them in the Elk House. This will now remain closed for a renovation break. The toilet facilities in the Elk House will remain accessible.

More about the exhibition "Wisent and Co. - the landscape gardeners"

Restaurant Langenberg temporarily closed

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

The Langenberg restaurant is normally open 365 days a year. But now there is a short break for renovation. A new team of tenants will take over in 2024. The restaurant at Langenberg Zoo will be closed from December 25 until February 9. As an interim solution, Andy Boss from Noblesse Catering will operate a barbecue from December 25 to January 7, weather permitting. Further information will follow.

Christmas trees as a feast for the moose

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Like their wild counterparts, the moose at Langenberg Zoo feed on conifers in winter. Their appetite is huge: an adult moose eats four to six trees a day. This is why the unsold Christmas trees that Langenberg Zoo receives after December 24 are very welcome.

"Traditionally, we receive most of the Christmas trees from Coop, with others supplied by Landi," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Zurich Wildlife Park. Used Christmas trees from private households cannot be fed to the animals. Tinsel and wax residues would harm the animals. Checking every single tree is too time-consuming.

Moose have an interesting diet
Moose are gourmets and choose their food carefully: The ruminants particularly like the twigs, buds and needles of Christmas trees. These are the most nutritious parts of the plant. They are particularly fond of Nordmann firs because they are less prickly.

In summer, they eat the leaves of willow, ash, hazelnut and maple. But they also eat aquatic plants. For some underwater delicacies, the moose even dive up to six meters deep. No other animal in the deer family can dive. The moose can do this because they can close their nostrils.

Deadwood in the Sihlwald

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

The Sihlwald has been allowed to revert to a wilderness for almost 25 years. You can now clearly see and feel this. Weakened or dead trees are allowed to stand or remain standing. This is a benefit for nature: rare species of fungi, plants and animals find a habitat here thanks to the large amount of dead wood.

For visitors, however, this means that they have to be a little more careful when walking in the Sihlwald. Gusts of wind and heavy snow can break branches or even bring down entire trees. The consequences of continuous rain should not be underestimated either: Soaked ground offers less grip and on steep slopes they can start to slide.

Great effort for the ranger team

In recent weeks, the ranger team has been constantly busy clearing and checking paths after windy weather conditions. Only then was it possible to walk on them again - at your own risk. The snow at the beginning of December, as beautiful as the forest looked in its winter dress, also posed some dangers.

Due to the death of spruce and ash trees in recent years, there are currently a particularly large number of dry trees in the Sihlwald.

So be careful if you decide to take a walk through the nature discovery park.

New prices for parking in the Zurich Wilderness Park

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Admission to the Zurich Wilderness Park is free for visitors. This is only possible because the foundation's sponsors and the Zürcher Kantonalbank as the main sponsor finance a large part of the operation. The sponsors include the city and canton of Zurich, municipalities in the district of Horgen and Pro Natura Zurich.

However, the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation must also generate its own funds to cover the costs of running the park. In addition to donations and income from courses and guided tours, parking lot revenues are an important source of income. Rising costs and increased maintenance requirements now require a price adjustment after ten years.

An annual parking permit is worthwhile for frequent visits
If you drive to the Zurich Wilderness Park by car, you pay a daily flat rate for the parking lot. From January 1, 2024, this will cost CHF 15 at Langenberg Zoo and CHF 10 at Sihlwald. The payment obligation lasts from 08:00 to 18:00.

For people who visit Zurich Wildlife Park frequently, an annual parking permit is attractive; this costs CHF 100 as before and is valid at both locations. It is now available online: via www.parkingpay.ch or via the Parkingpay app. It can be purchased all year round and is valid for 365 days.

Better public transport connections to Langenberg Zoo

The timetable change from December 10, 2023 will improve accessibility to Tierpark Langenberg by public transport. Bus route 153 will now run from Adliswil to Langnau-Gattikon at weekends. It runs every 20 minutes and stops at the Schwerzi-Wildpark bus stop in Langnau am Albis. As before, bus route 240 also stops there, running between Thalwil station via Hausen am Albis to Baar. Both bus routes are well coordinated with the S-Bahn timetable.

"We are very pleased about this new service," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of Wildnispark Zürich. "Those who prefer to visit us by public transport can now travel very flexibly thanks to a wide range of connections."

Good news!

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0100

The timetable change on December 10, 2023 will bring a great innovation: many more buses will now travel to Langenberg Wildlife Park at weekends. Line 153 now also stops at Langnau a.A., Schwerzi-Wildpark. It runs every 20 minutes between Adliswil station and Langnau-Gattikon station and is coordinated with the S4 timetable.

As before, bus route 240 also stops at the Schwerzi-Wildpark stop. It runs between Thalwil station via Hausen a. A. to Baar and is coordinated with the S2 timetable.

Winter season - adjustment of opening hours

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Sihlwald: Please note that the visitor center and the nature museum in Sihlwald will be closed during the winter season until 29 March 2024. The area with playground, fire pit, aquarium and otter enclosure will remain accessible. There are also covered and wind-protected tables and seating.

The Sihlwald Nature Adventure Park is worth a visit all year round! Take the adventure trail or hike through the breathtakingly beautiful nature in winter. You can find more information about the hikes here.

We look forward to welcoming you back to our premises at the start of the season on the last weekend in March!

Langenberg Animal Park: The park area is freely accessible all year round. The animal enclosures Wildcat House and Müsli-Hüsli as well as the Langenberg West park area close at 16:00. The Langenberg restaurant closes at 17:00.

The store is open at weekends from 12:00 - 16:00.

You can find the exact opening hours here.

Visit Langenberg Zoo in winter too! Most of our animals are active all year round and you might catch a good glimpse of one or two of them through the trees with few leaves.

Wilderness day in the Sihlwald

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0200

The Sihlwald forest provides the ideal backdrop for the wilderness day: as a nature discovery park with a high proportion of dead wood, it provides a habitat for numerous species of fungi. Among them are rare species such as the lemon yellow tramete. The Sihlwald is also home to the red deer. Ongoing monitoring documents how the population is developing.

The red deer was extinct in Switzerland 150 years ago, but it is slowly returning to our forests. On Wildlife Day in the Sihlwald, wildlife researcher Martina Reifler-Bächtiger from the ZHAW will show how this recapture is taking place. It promises to be an exciting lecture in which she will present the latest findings on red deer in the Central Plateau.

The wilderness day offers further exciting insights into nature at various stands: the junior rangers and wilderness messengers provide information about the wonderful world of mushrooms and the red deer as king of the forest. Pro Natura Zurich presents the brown bear.

The Friends of the Zurich Wilderness Park and Zürcher Kantonalbank will be on site with games of skill. There is even gold to be won at the ZKB.

Another plus: admission to the Nature Museum is free on Wilderness Day. It shows the diversity and history of the Sihlwald forest as well as the current photo exhibition "Wilderness fascinates". Children can look forward to a search for clues in the area, where they have to solve puzzles on the subject of mushrooms.

The wilderness day will take place on Sunday, September 24 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The stands are located on the grounds of the visitor center near Sihlwald train station.

Birth of the first bison calf in the Solothurn Jura

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200

On the night of July 4th, the first bison calf was born in Welschenrohr as part of the "Wisent Thal" project. It is the very first bison birth in the Solothurn Jura for around 1000 years.

A herd of bison has been living on the Sollmatt in Welschenrohr since fall 2022. The 50-hectare enclosure is open to the public. The animals come from the Zurich Wilderness Park, which supports the "Wisent Thal" project as a partner.

The herd consists of a four-year-old bull, three cows aged between four and six years, a calf from last year and now a calf from this year - a female.

The aim of the "Wisent Thal" project is to use a bison test herd in a large area to investigate whether the bison, which was wiped out in the Middle Ages, is sustainable as a wild animal in the Jura today. The trial in the enclosure will last five years. The test site belongs to the municipality of Solothurn and the farmer and bison ranger Benjamin Brunner and is fenced off for the duration of the trial. It will continue to be used for agriculture and forestry during the project and public access will not be restricted.

Cows protect their calves

It is currently particularly important for visitors to the area to observe the rules of conduct. Bison are generally very shy and gentle animals. However, if they are provoked or prevented from protecting their young, they can become dangerous, just like other cattle. For this reason, you should keep a large distance of over 50 meters from the bison and especially from the calf. This also gives the bison herd and the calf the peace and quiet they need. Dogs may only be taken into the enclosure on a short lead and at an appropriate distance.

Due to the vastness of the enclosure and the high proportion of woodland, it is increasingly difficult to scout out and observe the animals on your own. We therefore recommend taking part in guided tours. These tours are led by bison ranger Benjamin Brunner and trained bison guides and can be booked through the Thal Nature Park(www.naturparkthal.ch/wisent).

Young lynxes in the Zurich Wilderness Park

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200

With a bit of luck, young lynx can currently be seen again at Langenberg Zoo. The two cubs - both females - were born at the end of April.

Population of wild lynx stable, but fragile

Lynx were once widespread throughout Europe. With the clearing of forests in favor of agriculture, the animals lost their habitat. Only in remote regions did they survive in small numbers. In Switzerland, the lynx became extinct in the 19th century; the first specimens were reintroduced in 1971. Populations have since recovered throughout Europe, but the populations are highly isolated from one another. Without regular genetic exchange between the populations, there is a risk of inbreeding, which threatens the health of the animals and the conservation of the species as a whole.

Conservation breeding at Langenberg Zoo

The Zurich Wilderness Park participates in the European Conservation Breeding Program with its Carpathian lynxes. The aim of this program is to preserve the species in captivity so that animals can be released into the wild if necessary.

To this end, Langenberg Zoo has had the two male lynxes born in 2021 genetically tested. They come from the same breeding pair as the current cubs. The laboratory analysis showed that they are pure Carpathian lynx. This makes them and their younger siblings potential candidates for further breeding and for reintroduction projects to connect existing populations.

It has not yet been definitively determined where the 2021 and 2023 cubs will live in the future. "This will be decided in close consultation with those responsible for the conservation breeding program," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation. "Saving this fascinating species here in Europe will take a long time," he explains. "We are proud to be able to actively contribute to this."

Excursion tip: discover young animals in the Zurich Wilderness Park

Numerous young animals have been born at Langenberg Zoo in recent weeks. The young ibex are particularly easy to observe. With a bit of luck, you may also spot the young of fallow deer, lynx, marmots, roe deer, red deer, wild boar and wolves.

Be careful with fire

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200

There has not been a day of rain in the canton of Zurich for around 3 weeks. The current heatwave and the breeze are having a strong drying effect on the forest. As no significant precipitation is forecast for the next few days, the canton of Zurich rates the risk of forest fires as "considerable" (level 3 out of 5). It is not yet forbidden to light fires. However, the recommendation is to refrain from doing so in and near the forest and to extinguish fires properly with water.

The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation asks its guests not to light fires in the Sihlwald. Marked fire pits may be used on the grounds of the visitor center and in the Langenberg Animal Park. Before leaving the fire pit, the fire must be completely extinguished with water.

The hazardous situation will continue to be monitored. Tighter restrictions and a ban on fires in and near the forest can be expected at any time. Further information can be found on forest fire risk.

Annual Report 2022 of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200

After the difficult pandemic years, normality returned to Zurich Wildlife Park in 2022; there were no more closures or other restrictions. A total of 658,000 visits were recorded at Tierpark Langenberg and Sihlwald.

Good news from Langenberg Zoo

The rat garden at Langenberg Zoo was opened in October. This facility, unique in Switzerland, offers the opportunity to observe a widespread yet largely unknown animal species in its natural behavior.

The transfer of five bison from Langenberg Zoo to the Solothurn Jura was another milestone in 2022. In the municipality of Welschenrohr, the "Wisent Thal" association wants to use a well-monitored and supervised test herd to investigate whether Europe's largest land mammal can be reintroduced to Switzerland. The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation is involved as a partner in this species conservation project, which is unique in Switzerland.

Heat and drought leave their mark on the Sihlwald forest

The summer of 2022 was the hottest ever recorded in Europe. Such a weather event also leads to changes in Sihlwald. Most noticeable at the moment: spruce dieback. This tree species, which was planted in the forests of the Central Plateau to produce timber, reacts sensitively to drought and heat.

Using satellite data, a researcher from the University of Zurich was able to show that more than a quarter of the conifers in the Sihlwald forest have died since 2017. The increasing proportion of deadwood is a benefit for biodiversity, as numerous animal, fungal and plant species depend on dead wood. However, the maintenance of paths and the protection of infrastructure in the Sihlwald is becoming more complex and visitors must exercise sufficient caution on their excursions.

Annual report in a new design

In order to better document the long-term development of the Sihlwald nature reserve and important projects, the annual report of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation has been given a new look. Here you can browse through the annual report or download it as a PDF. We will also be happy to send you printed copies on request.

The young wolves have left the Langenberg

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0200

At the age of one to two years, young wolves usually leave their pack and look for their own territory. This week, the four cubs born in May 2022 at Langenberg Zoo left Zurich Wildlife Park. One male was taken to Bruderhaus Wildlife Park in Winterthur, where he will form a new pack with a young female from Bern Zoo. The three other young animals are in the quarantine station at Zurich Zoo for three to four weeks, after which they will be taken to the Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck.

"The Wilderness Fascinates"

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Untouched forests, majestic mountains, pristine river landscapes or the hedgehog in your own garden: Wilderness is fascinating. The Nature Museum in Sihlwald is dedicating a special exhibition to it this year. It shows the most beautiful pictures from the national photo competition "Wilderness - more space for nature!" organized by Pro Natura and pictures from the Sihlwald Nature Adventure Park.

To mark the opening of the special exhibition and ring in the new season, there will be a small, atmospheric celebration in Sihlwald on March 26. At 2 pm and 3 pm, we will be offering a short guided tour for those interested in history: "Colonie Sihlwald: From idyll to work site and back again". Further information on the opening day.

Mushroom hunt for children

Numerous interesting courses, wilderness days and adventure Saturdays are on the program from the end of March to the end of October. There is a new "Animal creative family course", in which participants observe and draw wild animals under guidance. At Langenberg Zoo, animal keepers tell exciting stories about the Norway rat every Wednesday.
Young visitors won't miss out either: children who enjoy solving puzzles can look forward to a treasure hunt on the grounds of the visitor center, where everything revolves around the realm of mushrooms. Whoever answers all the questions will receive a prize.

The picture shows a violet varnish mushroom. (Photographer: Patrick Limacher/Pro Natura)

Yes to the Parco Val Calanca

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0100

The voters of the four park municipalities of Rossa, Calanca, Santa Maria and Buseno approved the Val Calanca Park Charter on January 29. Congratulations! The Regional Nature Park can now submit its dossier to the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN. The FOEN will check whether all the conditions have been met and can award the "Park of National Importance" label. The Zurich Wilderness Park is delighted to be a new member of the Swiss parks network. www.parks.swiss

New pair of foxes at Langenberg Zoo

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0100

The Zurich Wilderness Park received a new female fox at the end of October and a male fox at the beginning of December. The two were recently brought together in the fox enclosure.

The two are still relatively rarely seen during the day; they tend to be nocturnal. But they are there - as the thermal image proves!

Incidentally, the mating season for red foxes runs from December to February. However, it remains to be seen whether cubs will be born this year. The two new arrivals are still very young themselves.

A spiky Christmas menu for the moose in Langenberg

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0100

"Our moose switch their diet from deciduous to coniferous trees at the end of October. Other wild animals in the Langenberg also occasionally eat conifers during the cold season - the Przewalski's horses, deer, bison and ibex like the prickly surprises," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at the Zurich Wilderness Park.

Moose are gourmets

Thanks to a long-standing collaboration with Coop, it is possible to cover the large demand for conifers with unsold Christmas trees. "Moose in particular don't eat very little," says Kilchenmann. An adult moose eats four to six conifers a day. The animals particularly love the nutrient-rich parts of plants such as twigs, buds and needles - so these gourmets choose their food very carefully. "Watching a moose carefully yet quickly nibble away at a coniferous tree always fascinates me," says Martin Kilchenmann. In spring, summer and fall, moose eat willow, birch, hazel, beech and maple trees.

No trees from private households

After December 24, Coop and Grün Stadt Zürich deliver unsold trees to Langenberg. Used Christmas trees from private households cannot be fed to the animals. Tinsel and wax residues would harm the animals. Checking every single tree is too time-consuming.

The ibex are in rut

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The males tilt their heads back and raise their tails. The animals stick out their tongues to smell the female's scent hormones. Experience the mating season as a special animal spectacle!

Winter season - partly reduced opening hours!

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Sihlwald: Please note that during the winter season in Sihlwald, the restaurant, the nature museum and the visitor center are closed until 25 March. However, the area with playground, fire pits, aquarium and otter enclosure will remain freely accessible, as will the hiking trails in Sihlwald.

Langenberg Zoo: The park area is freely accessible all year round. The wildcat house, Müsli-Hüsli and the Langenberg West park area (near the bison, elk and thaki) close at 4 p.m. during the winter season. The Langenberg restaurant closes at 5.00 pm.
The store at Langenberg Zoo is open at weekends from 11 am to 4 pm.

The rats discover the garden

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0200

With the new rat garden, we enable visitors to encounter a widespread yet little-known animal that feeds on our waste in the "wild". If rats turn up unexpectedly, the "yuck" is usually not far away. Why is that?

The Norway rat is one of the most successful animal species in Switzerland and is widespread. This is precisely why it fits perfectly into the Langenberg, where only wild animals that are native to Switzerland or were once native to Switzerland are kept. This promotes the relationship between humans and animals that live here or could live here again. Until now, the rats have lived well hidden in the Müsli-Hüsli next to the dormice and house mice - the latter are the clear crowd-pullers here.

In the new outdoor enclosure, we enable people and animals to meet at eye level. Because the animals like to swim, the animal keepers hang the food in a basket above the pond - appropriate for the animals and exciting to watch for the guests. So instead of disgust, we hope for a "Yay" at the next unexpected encounter with the animals. After all, rats are not only clever, but also social and deserve our attention.

Insects in the forest - diverse, amazing and indispensable

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Alpine longhorned bees, long-horned beetles and spherical beetles - Beat Wermelinger, insect researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), knows them all. On September 25, he will take interested visitors on a journey into the world of forest insects. At 2pm and 3pm, he will be giving a talk entitled "Insects in the forest - diverse, amazing and indispensable" at the Zurich Wilderness Park Visitor Center.

The "Insects" wilderness day offers an entertaining and varied program for the whole family: visitors can learn even more about these exciting animals at various adventure stations. The "Natur liegt nahe" association is also present on the site. It presents some of the 600 or so species of wild bees that live in Switzerland in more detail and shows how different their nests are.

Zürcher Kantonalbank - the main sponsor of the Zurich Wilderness Park - will also be on site with its popular skittles game. There is real, fair gold to be won. And as a special bonus, the Wilderness Park store will be presenting the new children's book "Papa Moll travels through Switzerland", hot off the press, at the book table. On this journey, he also experiences numerous exciting adventures in the Zurich Wilderness Park.

Useful, colorful, versatile and endangered

According to current estimates, 45,000 to 60,000 insect species live in Switzerland. According to the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences, 60 percent of species in this country are endangered or potentially endangered. Insects pollinate around 88 percent of all flowering plants in temperate latitudes. Reason enough to take a closer look at these small, versatile creepy-crawlies and protect their habitats.
Further information and program: www.wildnispark.ch/wildnistag-insekten

Wisent Thal" project

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Would it be possible to reintroduce free-ranging bison (Bison bonasus) to the Swiss Jura? - This is precisely the question that the "Wisent Thal" association wants to answer with a well-monitored and supervised test herd. After many years of preparation and approval procedures, the pilot project has now been definitively launched.

The Zurich Wilderness Park supports the "Wisent Thal" project

On Thursday, September 15, animal keepers from the Zurich Langenberg Wilderness Park brought the first five bison to Welschenrohr in the canton of Solothurn. There, in the district of Thal, there is a fenced-in area, currently around 50 hectares in size, for this ambitious project. "It was an emotional moment for us too," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Zurich Wilderness Park. "We are delighted to be part of this unique species conservation project as a partner of the "Wisent Thal" association."

Among other things, Zurich Wilderness Park will continue to maintain the dossiers in the international animal database for the animals in Welschenrohr and advise the project on animal care issues. The Zurich Wilderness Park and its animals have been involved in the European conservation breeding program for bison for many years. The aim of this program is to maintain a genetically broad and healthy population in captivity so that suitable animals can be made available for reintroduction projects. At the same time, suitable habitats need to be preserved and protected.

European bison almost extinct

In 1927, a poacher shot the last free-living bison in the Caucasus. Only a dozen animals capable of reproducing remained in European zoos. In the meantime, the population of "European bison" has grown back to over 8,000 animals, but the species remains "potentially endangered".

As all bison living today descend from the same 12 ancestors, it is important that the herd in the Solothurn Jura is carefully selected. The animals should have as broad a genetic basis as possible. To this end, the breeding program has access to the animals' pedigrees and additional genetic analysis data from tissue samples.
The starting herd in the Solothurn Jura currently consists of one bull, three bison cows and one calf. The females are half-sisters born in the Zurich Langenberg Wilderness Park; the bull originally comes from the Bruderholz Zoo in Winterthur and has been living in the Langenberg Zoo since fall 2021. The adult animals are all between three and five years old and are therefore still considered almost "adolescents". European bison can live up to 24 years, while bulls rarely live longer than 16 years.

The largest land mammal in Europe

The European bison is the largest and heaviest land mammal in Europe. It grows up to two meters high and three meters long. An adult male can weigh over 800 kilograms, females weigh around 550 kilograms.
The animals live in mixed and deciduous forests with moist clearings and well-developed undergrowth, forest-meadow mosaics and forest steppes. They are active during the day and at night and form herds of 5 to 40 individuals. "As relatives of domestic cattle, they are ruminants and prefer to eat leaves, small shoots and bark," explains Martin Kilchenmann.

Due to their food requirements of up to 60 kilograms a day, wild cattle influence the vegetation. They preserve meadows and heaths by protecting them from scrub encroachment. In forests, they provide clearings and sunlight down to the ground. In this way, they contribute to biodiversity and are therefore sometimes referred to as "landscape gardeners".

Bison herds as a danger for hikers or farmers?

Over the next five years, a scientific monitoring group will investigate and document the animals' choice of food and the herd's behavior towards people, livestock and other facilities.

During the first two years, the animals will live in a fenced-in area of half a square kilometer, after which the enclosure will be doubled in size. In this second phase, several hiking trails will also run through the enclosure.

A decision will not be made until 2027 as to whether the bison herd will be allowed to roam completely freely and without fences in the Jura in future. "I'm very excited about the coming years," explains Kilchenmann. He is absolutely open-minded. "If society decides that bison are unacceptable, we have to accept that, but if the trial can convince the majority that it is possible and the bison could once again live as wild animals in this country, as they already do in other European countries, that would be a remarkable step for species conservation."

You can find detailed information about the project here: www.wisent-thal.ch

Papa Moll in the Zurich Wilderness Park!

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The well-known Swiss children's book character Papa Moll has two reasons to celebrate this year! Firstly, in the latest volume, which will be published on September 16, the Moll family visits the Zurich Wilderness Park for the first time. And secondly: Papa Moll appeared for the first time 70 years ago. Congratulations!

In the book "Papa Moll travels through Switzerland", 18 pages are dedicated to Langenberg Zoo and Sihlwald Nature Adventure Park. Would you like to give your grandchild or grandchildren a trip to Zurich Wildlife Park? Then this book might be the perfect gift, or it could be a Christmas present that brings back fond memories of your own family outing.

"Papa Moll travels through Switzerland" is now available in the Wilderness Park stores at Langenberg Zoo and the Visitor Center in Sihlwald. It costs: 24.90 francs.

Hochwachtstrasse/Albis timber mill

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Schnabelweg: Path open again

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The Schnabelweg was closed for a long time due to a landslide. Now the route is open again - but only as a trail. Good footwear is therefore recommended on this route. Please stay on the path so as not to unnecessarily disturb the flora and fauna in the protected core zone. Thank you for your support!

New pair of otters in Zurich Wilderness Park

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Otters are among the public's favorites at the Zurich Wilderness Park. This week, the chance of spotting one of the charming "water martens" has doubled. A second pair has moved into the otter enclosure in Sihlwald. The animals are both just one year old and come from zoos in Poland and the Czech Republic.

"They have already become well accustomed to each other and feel very comfortable in the enclosure," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at the Zurich Wilderness Park. The second pair of otters, who have been living in the enclosure on the Sihl for some time, now live in the neighboring former beaver enclosure. "These two are a little older and can enjoy their retirement with us," says Kilchenmann.

The otter is an endangered species in Europe, which is why the European conservation breeding program for "Lutra lutra" was launched by the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) in 1985. The Zurich Langenberg Wilderness Park has also been involved in this program since 2005.

The otter was considered extinct in Switzerland in 1989. Animals have been spotted again sporadically since 2009: on the Aare, the Hinterrhein, the Ticino, the Rhone and the Inn. The Pro Lutra Foundation is working to ensure that the species can re-establish itself in Swiss waters. Martin Kilchenmann is a member of the foundation board.

Originally, otters populated the banks of all Swiss waters up to 1,600 meters above sea level. The species was heavily hunted, and it is also assumed that pollution of the waters by the environmental toxin PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and other changes to their habitat were partly responsible for the extinction of the otter in Switzerland.

The rat garden takes shape

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The fencing has now also been installed: the experts opted for a particularly solid chrome steel grid. It can withstand the rats' sharp teeth in the long term. The pond basin is also ready for the first water filling. The animals can be seen swimming and diving in the rat garden next to the muesli hut as early as October 2022.

Documentary film about the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The documentary "Rendez-vous im Park", which will be broadcast on SRF 1 on Friday, July 8 at 9 p.m., is dedicated entirely to the first nationally awarded nature discovery park - the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park.

In 50 minutes, the documentary provides an insight into an impressive wilderness area located between the urban centers of Zurich and Zug. Rare plant and animal species live here, the Sihlwald offers a unique research environment for scientists, and every year around 200 school classes from the region immerse themselves in the forest wilderness and learn about the flora and fauna. The park is an important recreational area for the local population.

"This charisma is something special for the Wilderness Park team and the local population - we are proud of our park," explains Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation. "We are delighted that we can reach people all over Switzerland with this report and get them excited about Sihlwald."

This summer, Swiss television is presenting a 5-part series on Swiss parks. The Swiss National Park, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch, the Parc du Doubs, the Parco Val Calanca and the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park will be portrayed. The series will be broadcast in three languages on SRF, RTS and RSI.

Further information about the program

SRF DOK, SRF 1
Rendez-vous in the park - Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park
Season 2022, episode 1/5
Friday, 08.07.2022, from 21:00 to 21:50
50 minutes

Link to the program

New moose cow at Langenberg Zoo

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The one-year-old moose cow that arrived at the Zurich Wilderness Park on April 27 has a two-day journey behind her. She comes from the "Järvzoo" in Sweden. Like all new arrivals from abroad, she spent the first 30 days in quarantine at Langenberg, but was already visible to visitors. During this time, the animal was able to get used to its new surroundings and the presence of the zookeepers.

Gentle transition from winter to summer food

In addition to medical tests, the acclimatization process for the young elk cow also included nutrition. As winter temperatures still prevailed in Sweden, she was still eating only conifers, unlike her conspecifics in the Zurich Wilderness Park. "In the meantime, the animal has become accustomed to the warmer climate and also eats willow and other deciduous trees," says Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals. "After quarantine and a comprehensive health check, the cow moose is now ready to be reunited with our other moose."

The two younger ones get to know each other first

The two moose so far are a mother and her three-year-old son. As moose become sexually mature after just 16 months, the two have had to be temporarily separated from each other in the fall each of the past two years. This is to avoid inbreeding. In the wild, moose cows expel their last year's calf in spring. The mating season begins in September. The plan for mating is to first introduce the young bull and the new elk cow to each other. If it works, the zoo can hope for moose offspring next spring.

Langenberg Zoo is home to 19 native and formerly native animal species. Moose were present in Switzerland until the 10th century. The reconquest is just around the corner: in Germany, wild moose have been reintroduced in recent years, migrating from Eastern Europe.