Latest news
News from Sihlwald and Langenberg
"O Christmas tree" for the moose in Langenberg
Soon the moose will be doing particularly well again: every year after Christmas, hundreds of unsold Christmas trees become a feast for the animals - a sustainable and successful win-win idea with a long-standing tradition.
"The need for conifers in the zoo is great in winter. Our moose switch their diet from deciduous trees to conifers at the end of October. Conifers are also a popular change in the menu for other wild animals during the cold season. Przewalski's horses, deer, bison and ibex also like the prickly surprises," explains Martin Kilchenmann, Head of Animals at Zurich Wilderness Park. So what could be more appropriate than feeding unsold Christmas trees to moose? The success story of the animal Christmas tree recycling has a long tradition and has been practiced since the beginning of elk husbandry at Langenberg Zoo in 1969.
Update Corona protective measures
It's cotton candy time again in Sihlwald
The mysterious, long and delicate crystals of hair ice, reminiscent of tufts of hair, form exclusively on damp dead wood. There is plenty of it in the Sihlwald natural forest, where dead trees and branches are left lying around. However, not every dead branch forms the special ice shape on cold days.
Our food animals in the magazine Tierwelt
Every second issue of Tierwelt magazine features an exciting background report from a Swiss zoo. At the end of September 2021, the Zurich Wilderness Park will be in the spotlight. We show what it takes to offer the animals, which will later be fed to wolves, bears and lynxes, a species-appropriate life so that they feel completely at home.
Tierwelt is the largest animal and nature magazine in Switzerland. It is published weekly (every Thursday). You can order a trial subscription here.
Insects in the natural forest - a give and take
"The Sihlwald is home to many wood-loving insect species that depend on habitats that are as untouched as possible. Many of the most endangered beetles require thick deadwood and other typical natural forest elements," explains insect researcher Beat Wermelinger. Natural forests such as the Sihlwald thus enable a specialized 'species pool' to survive. They offer niches that managed forests do not have - but the reverse is also true: according to Wermelinger, for example, light-loving insect species are more common in forests where wood is regularly felled. In order to protect the many different insect species with very different requirements from extinction, both 'forest species' are needed. "As natural forests are scarce throughout Switzerland, reserves such as the Sihlwald are particularly important," says Beat Wermelinger.
Update Corona protective measures
Langenberg Zoo
Schnabelweg closed
Information on current trail closures on the Swiss hiking trail network that last longer than a week can be found here.
International Ranger Day and our forest professionals
Update Corona protective measures
Masks are not compulsory at Langenberg Zoo, except in certain indoor areas and if the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained.
Good news: new additions to the Zurich Wilderness Park
A trip to Langenberg Zoo is particularly worthwhile at the moment. Young animals can now be observed in many animal species. Particularly pleasing: after 10 years, young lynx have once again been born in Zurich Wildlife Park - thanks to a new pair of lynx. Event tip: On June 27, the "Young Animals" wilderness day will take place at Langenberg Zoo.
On May 5, the surprise was perfect. The young female lynx, who has been living at Langenberg Zoo since last fall, gave birth to two cubs in the barn. The two cubs have now opened their eyes and are starting to explore the enclosure. With a bit of luck, young lynx can be seen in Zurich Wildlife Park for the first time in 10 years.
