Olderdissen Animal Park
For nearly a century, an Animal Park has thrived in Bielefeld, the sole city in Eastphalia. This park primarily hosts European native species. However, the fauna of Europe is evolving: some species have dwindled, even facing extinction, while new species have emerged. Some were introduced, while others arrived without human influence. Narrating tales of European fauna and landscapes stands as the primary mission of Bielefeld’s Animal Park. Presently, it houses approximately 450 living specimens of mammals and birds.
Nearly 100 different species Enclosures, facilities, and aviaries are gracefully integrated into the landscape of the Teutoburg Forest, a range of hills with significant cultural and historical importance dating back to Roman times. One of the most notable enclosures is the bear enclosure – a generous gift from the local City’s trustee savings bank (Sparkasse). A water-filled moat, suitable for bathing, separates the bear area from the public, who can observe the animals and their behavior from a small bridge. European Brown Bears coexist with silver foxes here, providing ample variety in their daily lives. Nearby are expansive pastures for ponies, cattle, and tarpans – a breed resembling the now-extinct European forest wild horse, created from several domestic species, giving an impression of the phenotype.
Among the striking inhabitants are deer: European red deer and sika deer, two taxonomically related species, alongside European fallow deer occupying an enclosure with a picturesque view of the small and narrow Johannis creek valley. Mouflon, Chamois, and Alpine ibex, species adapted to high mountain landscapes, add to the diversity. The last two are uncommon in Northern Germany and are comparatively rare in Westphalia and other more northern regions.
Near the entrance lies the enclosure for the European bison, the largest and heaviest European mammal. In nature, size serves as an effective anti-predator strategy. Apart from bears, wolves, with a predominantly vegetarian diet, are the largest carnivores in Europe. Bielefeld’s pack occupies two uphill compounds and can move between them through a tunnel under the lane. European lynx, the largest cats in Europe, can be observed from a wooden platform.
Mustelids, including European otters, stone martens, ferrets, and wolverines, are a focal point of daily zoo operations. Wolverines, in particular, are rare sights in zoological gardens. Raccoons and Racoon Dogs, both non-native species, present challenges as they prey on meadow-breeding birds and disrupt nests, to which the birds have not yet adapted.
Another focus of daily zoo activities is on rodents: beavers reside in a pond and can be observed through windows directly in their lodge, while nutrias and the uncommon house rats, listed as endangered species, also find a home here. Several large aviaries showcase the diversity of birds, including birds of prey, owls, herons, storks, pheasants, and shorebirds. Some facilities allow direct access for visitors.
A small museum exhibits taxidermies of nearly the entire European avifauna, boasting the largest collection of its kind in East Westphalia. It holds significant importance in the training of the "green job sector" and is coupled with a small shop offering stylish products and articles.
Managing a zoo entails considerable effort, requiring qualified staff including animal keepers, craftsmen, and administrative personnel. Olderdissen Zoo, now under scientific leadership, is a municipal institution, belonging alongside forestry to the environmental company of the City of Bielefeld. Leveraging the synergies of the entire city facilitates the operation of the zoo, which remains a popular institution for the city and the entire region.
Bielefeld’s Animal Park harbors numerous plans for the future. With no entrance fees, it aims to inspire countless individuals – nearly one million visitors per year – fostering appreciation for animals, nature, and the imperative need for conservation efforts.