Munich, June 26, 2026 – The Hellabrunn Zoo today celebrated the grand reopening of its revamped Jungle World, a significant milestone after a comprehensive modernization and renovation project. Zoo Director Rasem Baban and Mayor Verena Dietl, who also chairs the supervisory board, officiated the ceremony.
A Tropical Oasis Reborn in the Heart of Munich
Originally opened in 1995, the Jungle World has been transformed into a state-of-the-art tropical house, promising an authentic jungle experience regardless of the weather. The facility’s centerpiece, a tropical plant island, has been meticulously maintained even during construction and has now been further expanded.
The extensive renovation introduces innovative building technology designed to simulate tropical climates, a partially new foil roof, and completely redesigned enclosures. Visitors can now enjoy new indoor exhibits with underwater viewing areas, a fully interactive educational concept, and a diverse array of both new and familiar animal species.
“With the reopening of the Hellabrunn Jungle World, we want to give families and animal lovers the opportunity to share unforgettable experiences and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of exotic plants and animals,” stated Mayor Verena Dietl during the opening. “The Jungle World is a project that further develops Hellabrunn Zoo and the city of Munich, particularly in the areas of education and species protection. It enables even more nature experiences in the heart of the city and thus creates an additional place for environmental education and encounters with biodiversity.”
New and Familiar Faces in a Natural Habitat
All animal enclosures within the Jungle World have undergone core renovation, providing naturalistic habitats for new residents such as binturongs and dwarf otters, as well as returning favorites like fishing cats and lesser mouse-deer. New viewing points, including an underwater perspective, offer visitors unique insights into the animal world. A newly constructed walkway into the former lion enclosure, located in front of the Jungle World, further expands perspectives on the wildlife. Currently, 16 animal species, including numerous bird species, are on display, with more expected to join in the medium term.
Zoo Director and Board Member Rasem Baban expressed his delight at the opening: “Today is a special day for Hellabrunn Zoo. With the new Jungle World, we can present tropical animal and plant life in a completely new quality. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how visitors discover the new perspectives and how the animals adapt to the modernized facilities. My thanks go to everyone involved who supported this project with great commitment during the intensive planning and construction phase.”
Advanced Technology and Enhanced Conservation Efforts
Beyond the visible modernizations, the entire building services technology has been renewed. Additionally, a rear area has been created for the planned conservation breeding of endangered bird species such as Bali starlings, Sumatran laughingthrushes, and Mitchell’s lorikeets, which is scheduled for the medium term.
The educational and informational offerings have also been redesigned. The focus is on the “One Plan Approach,” an integrative species protection concept that views the protection of animal species in their natural habitat (in situ) and in human care (ex situ) as a common task. Visitors gain exciting insights into the rainforest ecosystem, its diverse wildlife, and the challenges and measures of modern species protection. The species protection project of the Cikananga Conservation Center, which Hellabrunn has supported for several years, is also presented. This project is dedicated to the protection and reintroduction of endangered songbird species and the preservation of their habitats in the Indonesian rainforests.
The comprehensive modernization of the Jungle World represents one of Hellabrunn Zoo’s largest construction projects in recent years. In addition to the structural and technical measures, the central goal was to create a contemporary place for experience, education, and species protection.
Community Support and Future Plans
The entire project received support from the zoo’s long-standing partner, Stadtsparkasse München. Jan Mersmann, a member of the board, remarked at the opening: “Hellabrunn is a zoo, an employer, a recreational area, and much more. We, as Stadtsparkasse München, are happy to support and accompany this diversity. When Hellabrunn Zoo develops, Munich also develops. Congratulations on the new Jungle World!”
The new Jungle World is now open to visitors. To celebrate the opening weekend, a quiz rally is being held, offering attractive prizes. This event provides an opportunity to explore the new facility and learn more about its animal inhabitants and the topics of nature and species protection.
In the coming weeks, there will always be something new to discover in the Jungle World, as the acclimatization of the animal residents in the bird area is not yet complete. Therefore, more exotic species will gradually move in.
Source: nachrichten-muenchen.com
