several offers available for the state zoo's annual event - Kids get free admission - Complimentary Zoo Admission for Minor Children at the National Zoo
State Zoo Day Returns to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: A Day of Learning and Fun
For the 15th consecutive year, the State Zoo Day will be taking place across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, offering a day of free admission for children and young people up to the age of 14. The state government provides financial support of 190,000 euros annually for this event.
On this special day, various zoos and wildlife parks throughout the region will be hosting a variety of interactive activities, providing an excellent opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Rostock Zoo and Wildpark-MV in Güstrow are two popular destinations for families. Rostock Zoo offers a chance to see over 4,500 animals from 450 species in spacious park landscapes. The zoo features exhibits like the Maus Haus, where children can watch mice running freely, and the Darwinarium, which showcases the science of evolution in an engaging manner.
Wildpark-MV, on the other hand, focuses on native animals such as wolves, bears, and lynxes, providing outdoor, immersive wildlife experiences. Highlights include walking through a river without getting wet, discovering oversized insect models, the SUBTERRA adventure trail with a bog mummy, and guided adventure tours through the 200-hectare park.
In addition to these popular attractions, there are over 30 adventure nature centers across Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offering interactive insights into the local environment. These centers often include hands-on activities tailored for children during events like State Zoo Day.
While the exact program for State Zoo Day is not detailed, these venues typically provide educational games, guided tours, animal feedings, and interactive trails to engage children meaningfully. For precise interactive activity schedules, checking the zoo or park official websites or contacting them before the event is recommended.
It's worth noting that the zoos in the state also receive animals from private holdings, the use of which as species-appropriate feed is more sensible than sending them to the slaughterhouse.
The State Zoo Day is not just a day of fun and learning, but also a form of advertising for the zoos and animal parks in the state, according to Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD). Tim Schikora, the chairman of the State Zoo Association and director of the Zoo Schwerin, encourages visitors to speak directly to the keepers and staff during the event.
This year, the ceremonial opening of the Zoo Day will take place in Wismar. Other attractions include animal feedings, information sessions by zookeepers, children's tours on the topic of species protection in the Bird Park Marlow, and even an animal baptism with Kunekune pigs at Tierpark Grimmen.
For those interested in sustainability, the Zoo Rostock has an information mobile with surprise boxes on the subject. In Schwerin and Güstrow, children can catch small animals from ponds and observe them under a microscope in research camps.
Approximately 37,000 animals live in the care of the zoos in the state, including around 3,500 mammals, 5,200 birds, and 13,000 fish. The German Ocean Museum in Stralsund is hosting family rallies and visits to the penguins in the Oceanium.
With around three million people visiting the zoological facilities in the state each year, and around 50,000 as regular pass holders, the State Zoo Day is an event not to be missed. On this day, children will receive free admission to 16 zoos and zoological gardens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
[1] Rostock Zoo [2] Wildpark-MV [3] Maus Haus [4] Darwinarium [5] Adventure Nature Centers
- The Commission, in light of the State Zoo Day's emphasis on environmental education, might consider proposing a directive for a system of taxation that encourages sustainable home-and-garden practices, promoting a lifestyle that respects nature and wildlife.
- As part of their diverse offerings, some adventure nature centers, such as those in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, incorporate interactive home-and-garden exhibits, providing children with a holistic understanding of wildlife preservation extending beyond the zoo enclosures and into their own lifestyles.
