Current projects of the association
"Leap into Freedom"
Wild lynx are endangered, and their natural habitats are under pressure. In Europe, populations are small and live in isolation from one another. This increases the risk of inbreeding. To ensure genetic exchange, populations are deliberately connected through reintroduction programs. The Wildnispark Zurich is participating in these conservation efforts: Since 2024, several lynx born at the Langenberg Wildlife Park have been released into the wild in Germany to better connect isolated populations.
The Project
With its spacious lynx enclosure, the Wildnispark Zurich is already one of the few European zoos that meets the conditions required to prepare lynx for reintroduction. For young lynx to survive in the wild, they must remain shy! Housing the animals under these conditions is labor-intensive: The animals must not associate food with humans or livestock. This requires special feeding stations, and only wild game meat is provided. The young lynx must undergo regular medical examinations. To capture them without causing stress, gentle capture devices are required.
Renovation of the reintroduction centre
In order to capture the young lynx as gently as possible and prepare them for transport, we would like to carry out structural alterations to the lynx enclosure at the Langenberg Wildlife Park and expand it with a new reintroduction centre. Until now, we have been using the old cat enclosure for this purpose. However, it is now showing its age and is not ideal as a long-term solution. That is why the Wildnispark Zurich has launched the ‘Leap into Freedom’ project.
Thank you for your support
Every contribution helps pave the way for the lynxes to freedom. Thank you! Here you can donate directly to the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation for this project via Twint, Google Pay, or credit card. The Friends of the Wildnispark Zurich support this project and are currently collecting donations for it.
CHF 590,000
Current total donations: CHF 190,000
- Setting up a third section of the facility for separating the young animals prior to release into the wild
- Development and installation of a humane capture system
- Installation of remote-controlled automatic feeders to allow for feeding independent of the animal caretakers
2026–2028
Would you like to know how the lynxes released into the wild are getting on, and which partners the Wildnispark Zurich Foundation works with in Europe?
Find out more here 
"Crabs in the Crab Basket"
Crayfish once inhabited 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 that. Studies have now shown that some streams in the Sihlwald offer optimal living conditions for crayfish.
The Project
The Zurich Wilderness Park, in collaboration with“Lebensgemeinschaft Wasser Schweiz,” plans to reintroduce crayfish to the Sihlwald. In addition, interactive exhibits are planned for the aquarium on the grounds of the visitor center. These are intended to educate children and adults about native aquatic life and raise awareness about its protection.
The Friends of the Zurich Wilderness Park support this project. Various member events are planned as part of the project.
CHF 120,000 has been raised. Thank you very much!
- Reintroduction of crayfish in the Tomenrainbach Stream in the Sihlwald
- Promoting Biodiversity
- Raising awareness among visitors and the general public
- 2024: Permits and planning, initial reintroduction of crayfish, and public outreach
- 2025: Design of educational components
- 2026: Implementation of educational components, expansion of the aquarium lobby
- 2025–2027: Phasedreintroduction
- 2028: Evaluation of results
On September 21, 2024, the first 40 animals were released into the wild. More on this
On October 3, 2025, another 75 animals were released. The final population will be released in the fall of 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
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) |
Donations
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. The association is currently collecting donations for the «Leap into Freedom» project. Please help!
Spenden-Konto: IBAN CH18 0900 0000 8724 8863 2
Membership fee per year
| Individual member | CHF 30.– |
| Family/collective member | CHF 50.– |
