Where would Schwerin, the city of lions, be without real lions? Schwerin Zoo is home to the lionesses Heidi, Indi and Rubi as well as lion Shapur. Their 3,000 m² enclosure is part of the Red List Center, which opened in 2021.
The Red List Centre at Schwerin Zoo is a living cooperation between Schwerin Zoo and the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), whose so-called “Red List” describes the endangerment status of animal and plant species worldwide. Which endangerment categories there are and what it means for a species to be listed as “endangered (VU)” or “threatened (EN)” is answered at Schwerin Zoo’s Red List Centre. From “not assessed (NE)” to “extinct in the wild (EW)”, each category of the Red List is explained by means of an animal species on display.
A New Themed Habitat: Lions, Giraffes, and Biodiversity Education
Just behind the entrance to Schwerin Zoo, a newly developed themed habitat complex offers immersive experiences and optimal living conditions for several animal species. The spacious enclosures are home to a pride of Asiatic lions and a group of Rothschild’s giraffes, along with diverse bird aviaries and specialist terrariums inside the new Red List Centre. Even before entering the building, visitors can experience the Red List Centre’s forecourt, which features glass viewing panels that allow glimpses into the lions’ outdoor enclosure. The landscape is designed with multiple levels and a six-meter gradient, mimicking natural terrains. The habitat includes sand-bathing areas, a heated rock, and natural climbing and scratching elements, all designed for behavioural enrichment – ensuring the lions can express their natural behaviours and stay mentally and physically stimulated.
A Unified Experience: Architecture and Nature in Harmony
The design of the enclosure uses earthy ochre and brown tones to seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor environments. This colour palette is echoed in the architecture of the Lion House at the Red List Centre, whose shotcrete façade combined with wooden cladding integrates harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Inside, visitors enjoy panoramic views through an anti-reflective glass wall, offering a clear line of sight into both the lion house interior and the outdoor savannah-style habitat. A special highlight: the feeding kitchen, visible through a large glass window, allows guests to observe daily animal care routines up close.
Savannah Views and Giraffe Encounters
Adjacent to the lion habitat, an expansive terrace opens up to a view of the savannah landscape, home to the Rothschild’s giraffes. This elevated position offers visitors impressive perspectives and opportunities to observe the animals in a calm, naturalistic setting. Inside the Red List Centre, visitors can discover a zoological rarity: the Moorea tree snail, a species that is already extinct in the wild. Schwerin Zoo is the only institution in Germany to keep this sensitive species. The snail is housed under near-sterile conditions to ensure its well-being and to support a successful breeding programme for future rewilding efforts.
Education and Awareness: The Red List Mission
The Red List Centre is not just a habitat – it’s a centre for education, awareness, and action. Through interactive screens and educational displays, visitors of all ages can learn about the threat status of wild animal species, the causes of their decline – such as habitat loss, climate change, and poaching – and what can be done to help. With its combination of innovative enclosure design, rare species, and a strong educational mission, the Red List Centre at Schwerin Zoo sets new standards for species conservation and visitor engagement. It is a destination that protects endangered wildlife while offering a rich and meaningful leisure experience for all generations.
Pictures: Zoo Schwerin
