Landau Zoo in the Palatinate: Now a member of the IUCN – A breakthrough for species protection!

Landau Zoo in the Palatinate: Now a member of the IUCN – A breakthrough for species protection!

The Landau Zoo in the Palatinate has taken an impressive step towards nature conservation. On August 11, 2025, the zoo was officially admitted to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as a voting non-governmental member. This is a significant award for the institution, which is dedicated to protecting endangered species. According to the report by MRN News There are fewer than 20 zoos and aquariums in German-speaking countries that are members of the IUCN, which underlines the relevance of this step.

The IUCN is known for publishing the “Red Lists of Threatened Animals and Plants” and is considered the world's leading conservation organization with over 1,400 member organizations. As part of this membership, Landau Zoo will be able to actively participate in global species conservation projects and exchange valuable knowledge. Dr. Jens-Ove Heckel, zoo director, sees IUCN membership as a significant milestone for the zoo. He has been a volunteer at the IUCN for many years, particularly in the antelope and deer specialist groups.

The role of the IUCN Species Survival Commission

Particular attention is paid to the IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC), which focuses on the protection of endangered species and develops strategies for their survival. The chairman of the SSC, Jon Paul Rodríguez, has been working on various nature conservation projects since the late 1980s and brings a lot of experience to the association. He is a professor at the Center for Ecology of the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC) and has authored more than 230 publications on conservation topics, as listed on the IUCN website is documented.

Dr. Heckel emphasizes how important this membership is for the future of the zoo and biodiversity. The support of the Friends of Zoo Landau, which covers the annual membership fee, shows the community's commitment to species conservation work. These partnerships and close collaboration with other keepers and organizations, such as the Cologne Zoological Garden and the Wilhelma in Stuttgart, strengthen the zoo's efforts.

A common goal: species protection

“Membership of the IUCN opens up new opportunities for us,” explains Dr. Heckel. “We don’t just want to show animals, we want to actively contribute to protecting the species.” Membership is not only a further step on the zoo's path, but also a call to everyone to get involved in preserving biological diversity. Given the current challenges in species protection, a good hand is required to develop the right strategies.

By joining, Landau Zoo has set the course for closer cooperation and innovative projects in nature conservation. We work hand in hand with international partners to not only inform visitors, but also actively protect them. It remains exciting to see what measures will be taken next.