Current projects of the association
«Leap into Freedom»
Wild lynxes are endangered and their natural habitats are under pressure. In Europe, populations are small and isolated from one another. This increases the risk of inbreeding. To ensure genetic exchange, populations are being deliberately connected through reintroduction programs. The Wildnispark Zurich is participating in these conservation efforts: Since 2024, several lynx born in the Tierpark Langenberg have been released into the wild in Germany as part of conservation projects to connect isolated populations.
The project
With its spacious lynx enclosure, Langenberg Wildlife Park is already one of the few European zoos that meets the conditions for preparing lynxes for release into the wild. In order for young lynxes to survive in the wild, they must remain shy! Keeping animals under these conditions is costly: the animals must not associate food with humans or farm animals. This requires special feeding machines and only wild meat is fed. The young lynxes must undergo regular medical examinations. Gentle capture devices are necessary to catch them without causing stress. With the aim of continuing to successfully and actively participate in the release of young lynxes into the wild, Wildnispark Zurich is launching the “Leap into Freedom” project.
The Förderverein Wildnispark Zurich is supporting this project.
Donation information
Your donation is tax-deductible. Your donation will go to the Förderverein Wildnispark Zurich, which will use the money exclusively for this project.
Donation account: IBAN CH18 0900 0000 8724 8863 2
Thank you for your donation!
Every donation helps the lynxes to return to the wild. Thank you! Here you can donate directly to Wildlifepark Zurich for this project via Twint, Google Pay or credit card.
150'000 Swiss francs
- Setting up a third section of the enclosure for separating young animals
- Developing and installing a gentle capture system
- Installing remote-controlled feeding machines for feeding without the involvement of animal keepers
2026 - 2027
- The Wildnispark Zurich Foundation takes part in the European conservation breeding programme for lynx. Fortunately, the animals bred under this coordinated programme exhibit a high level of genetic diversity.
- In the fall of 2024, the first two female lynx from Wildnispark Zurich were released into the wild in Germany. An important step towards ensuring the survival of lynxes in Europe. (They were born in 2023). Verena is now well established in Baden-Württemberg. Vreni was released to the wild in Thuringia. After her GPS transmitter failed, she was missing for over a year. Then, in May 2026, came the wonderful news! She was spotted by a camera trap, together with a cub.
- Lynx triplets were born in June 2025. Like their half-sisters from 2023 and 2024, these cubs will hopefully be suitable for release into the wild or as breeding animals in the EAZA's European breeding program. This will be decided by the EEP coordinator and Linking Lynx.
- In September 2025, the third female lynx (Freya) is released into the wild in Saxony (Germany) (born in 2024). On 6 November, SRF1 broadcast a 45-minute documentary about Freya. At present, nothing is known about the animal’s whereabouts, as its GPS transmitter has failed.
- 2026: Verena has also a cub.
- In 2026, another female was born at Langenberg.
- In August 2026, Wangari (the leopard), one of the cubs born in 2025, was released into the wild in Thuringia.
«Chräbs im Chräbsächerli»
Crayfish once populated the streams of the Sihlwald, but today they are no longer found there. Functioning ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. Crayfish are part of this. Studies have now shown that some streams in the Sihlwald offer optimal living conditions for crayfish.
The project
Wildnispark Zurich is planning to reintroduce crayfish to the Sihlwald in collaboration with «Lebensgemeinschaft Wasser Schweiz». In addition, interactive exhibition elements are planned in the aquarium on the grounds of the Visitor Centre. These are intended to inform children and adults about the native aquatic inhabitants and raise their awareness of their protection.
The Förderverein Wildnispark Zurich is supporting this project. Various member events are planned as part of the project.
Donation information
Your donation is tax-deductible. Your donation will go to the Förderverein Wildnispark Zurich, which will use the money exclusively for this project.
Donation account: IBAN CH18 0900 0000 8724 8863 2
Thank you for your support
Every contribution counts towards restoring the natural habitat of the native crayfish in the Sihlwald and preserving biodiversity. Thank you!
120'000 Swiss francs
- Reintroduction of crayfish in the Tomenrainbach in the Sihlwald forest
- Promotion of biodiversity
- Raising awareness among visitors and the general public
- 2024: Authorisations and planning, first reintroduction of crayfish and public relations work
- 2025: Concept for educational elements
- 2026: Realisation of educational elements
- 2025–2027: Reintroduction in stages
- 2028: Performance review
The first 40 animals were released into the wild on 21 September 2024. Read more
On October 3, 2025, another 75 animals were introduced. The last population will follow in fall 2026.
Förderverein
Wildnispark Zurich
It doesn't take much ... but many! An association for everyone who is enthusiastic about the Wildnispark Zurich.
The Förderverein supports the Wildnispark Zurich. It is committed to the Langenberg Wildlife Park and the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park. The wild animals, the nature forest and you as a member benefit from the association:
- The association invites you to events and excursions
- The magazine «Wildnis» is sent to you by post (German only)
- Every year, you will receive a voucher for a hot drink at the Restaurant Langenberg
The Förderverein regularly supports special projects. In the past, it has contributed significantly to the expansion of several animal enclosures and to making them more natural. Donations to such projects can be deducted from your taxes.
Our history
The Förderverein was founded in 1993 as the «Society for the Promotion of the Langenberg Wildlifepark». At that time, it belonged solely to the city of Zurich and was operated by Grün Stadt Zürich. The members of the Förderverein ran the kiosk at Langenberg Wildlife Park as a voluntary organisation. In recent years, the funds generated have been used to help finance projects such as the Müsli-Hüsli the wild boar enclosure and the new animal information boards.
Board of Directors
Since the General Meeting on May 15, 2024, the Board of Directors has been composed as follows
| Harald Huber | Chairman |
| Christian Traber | Vice President |
| Daniel Schwab | Treasurer |
| Angela Grüter | Actuarial office |
| Rolf Schatz | |
| Iris Rothacher | |
| Edith Häusler | (missing on photo) |
Membership fee per year
| Individual member | CHF 30.– |
| Family/collective member | CHF 50.– |
