Leipzig Zoo bids emotional goodbye as beloved elephant passes away
In a significant shift, Dr. Dag Encke has taken over as the new director of the Leipzig Zoo, effective from June 22. This appointment comes alongside his existing role as the director of the Nuremberg Zoo.
Under the previous leadership of Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold, the Leipzig Zoo faced numerous challenges, including the Corona pandemic and the Ukraine war. Despite these obstacles, Junhold's tenure proved to be a period of growth and development for the zoo.
Junhold's main goal during his six-year tenure was to increase the political visibility of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) in political Berlin. His efforts were successful, as the Leipzig Zoo became a strong voice for zoo and wildlife issues in the public sphere. In his final assessment, Junhold stated, "It has been achieved to anchor zoos accordingly in public perception."
As for the future, the Leipzig Zoo, under the leadership of Dr. Dag Encke, continues to focus on ambitious plans centered around animal welfare, species protection, and sustainability. The zoo's comprehensive master plan, named the "Zoo of the Future," will continue to guide these efforts.
The master plan aims to realize ongoing projects that enhance animal habitats and contribute significantly to conservation efforts. Recent developments such as the opening of the "Entdeckerhaus Arche," a centre for education and species protection, illustrate this direction. Upcoming highlights include immersive expansions like the underwater world of Tierra del Fuego and Asian island worlds, designed to deepen visitor engagement and strengthen conservation education.
Leipzig Zoo is not only advancing infrastructure and visitor experience but also expanding its role in global conservation networks. Dr. Dag Encke, likely related to Björn Encke mentioned as a managing director in conservation circles, has contributed to and supported initiatives emphasizing interdisciplinary and citizen-involved approaches to species conservation.
Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold will remain a member of the Leipzig Zoo after his tenure. This change of leadership marks the first time in several years that the presidency of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) has been transferred to a new director. During Junhold's tenure, the association modernized work structures for research, public relations, and species conservation.
Dr. Dag Encke, the director of the Nuremberg Zoo, has taken over the presidency of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) from Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold. Encke is set to continue the work of the Leipzig Zoo director, ensuring that the zoo remains a central location to shape the vision of the VdZ sustainably.
Dr. Dag Encke's new role as director of the Leipzig Zoo signals a shift towards focusing on lifestyle, home-and-garden aspects, as he intends to prioritize sustainable living in the zoo's "Zoo of the Future" master plan, set to improve both animal habitats and visitor experience. In his role as the president of the Association of Zoological Gardens (Vdz), Encke will continue to emphasize the importance of home-and-garden practices in zoo operations, promoting interdisciplinary and citizen-involved approaches to wildlife conservation.
