IllustrationCome to Sachsenhagen to understand how wildlife rescue works, with a guide who can explain the animals and the care behind each enclosure.
Come to Sachsenhagen to understand how wildlife rescue works, with a guide who can explain the animals and the care behind each enclosure. The Wildtier- & Artenschutzstation occupies a former military site and receives around 3,000 animals a year. It is a working rescue centre with organised visits, so your first step is to choose a public tour or arrange a group appointment.
The most interesting part is the animals' different journeys. Native wildlife is treated or raised with release as the goal. Non-native animals, including animals confiscated by authorities, may need a suitable permanent home in a zoological institution. That gives children plenty to think about: why can one animal go back to the countryside while another cannot? What does being ready for release actually mean?
Expect a visit shaped by explanations and quiet observation. The animals in care change, and the guide decides what can be shown without compromising their welfare. Photographs or stories on the website do not mean that a particular patient will be visible. Let children bring a question rather than a must-see animal list; the value here is discovering what happens between an animal needing help and being able to leave. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.
The organisation began in 1982 as Vogelpflegestation Gut Düendorf near Wunstorf. Increasing animal numbers led to a move in 2001 to the 20-hectare former Bundeswehr site at Sachsenhagen. The new setting provided room for the rescue work that remains at the centre of its activities, alongside environmental education and species-conservation projects.
Choose the public outdoor round for a straightforward introduction. Listen for the reasons behind different types of housing, and ask your guide to explain one recovery story. With children, try a simple observation game: notice where an animal can shelter, where it can move and how its surroundings meet its needs. Discuss what you noticed afterwards, away from the enclosure.
For a birthday or school visit, book an age-appropriate tour in advance. Birthday rounds include outdoor and indoor areas, with the content adapted to the children. You can also reserve the picnic meadow and covered pavilion for your own food and games. Separate Aktionstage explore subjects such as hedgehogs, reptiles and bats; choose by the advertised age range and activity, rather than expecting the same programme on an ordinary tour.
Group tours are offered from April to October. Winter visits depend on specifically advertised events, rather than the regular afternoon tour. Bring layers for time spent listening outdoors. In wet weather, the Naturpark-Scheune in Steinhude offers a separate indoor nature exhibition; check its opening days, as Monday and Tuesday are listed as closing days.
Ask the station about your particular wheelchair, walking-aid or pushchair needs before setting off: the published visitor information does not describe step-free routes, gradients or path surfaces. A toilet is listed, but accessible toilet facilities are not specified. Contact 05725 708730 or [email protected] to discuss the tour and any adjustments.
Learn why native animals are prepared for release and why rescued non-native animals may need a permanent home elsewhere. Follow the guide; patients are not a fixed display collection.
The 15:00 weekday tour runs through 23 October in 2026, excluding public holidays. Access is by tour; the daily 09:00–17:00 animal-intake hours are not general visitor opening hours.
Book an approximately one-hour, age-adapted indoor/outdoor round, then add a separately reserved picnic hour if you want time for birthday food and games.
The Aktionstage offer more focused learning about animals and their needs. Check the individual age range; children-only sessions do not admit accompanying adults.
Join the environmental educator for the agreed round. Birthday tours include indoor and outdoor areas; the staff-led visit determines where you go and which animals can be observed.
Agree wheelchair or pushchair access with the station before booking.
After hearing about one animal, ask what it needs to be able to do before leaving the station. On the way home, let each child explain one thing they learned about care or release.
At a stop chosen by the guide, look for shelter and space to move. Younger children can describe what they notice; older ones can ask how the enclosure meets the animal’s needs. Keep voices low and leave animals undisturbed.
Make a separate visit to the interactive exhibition about the wildlife and landscapes around Steinhuder Meer, at Am Graben 4 in Steinhude. Exhibition entry is free. Check the current hours before travelling; Monday and Tuesday are listed as closing days.
A native animal that regains the skills needed for life outside can be released. For non-native animals, the station instead seeks suitable permanent care, often in a zoological institution.
Use the latest station homepage notice for the public-tour season and the event calendar for special sessions. A winter event booking does not open the grounds for general visiting.
A toilet is listed. For a booked celebration, the separately reserved pavilion provides tables and benches beside the picnic meadow. Bring your own refreshments.
Arrange the journey to the station and your return before setting off; do not rely on finding a bus at the gate. Park only where permitted and leave the entrance clear for the station’s work.
Explain which help you need when you enquire: step-free access, a manageable walking distance, rest opportunities or a suitable toilet. Ask whether these can be provided on the specific tour you want.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
We are still adding species preview cards for this place.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Arrange group visits early
Send the online appointment request around ten days ahead and wait for confirmation. The public 15:00 slot is intended for individual visitors, not organised groups.
Bring cash
The public tour is listed at €4 per participant. Standard group tours are €6 per person; confirm any minimum charge or special requirements when booking.
Plan the last part of the journey
Use Hohe Warte 1, 31553 Sachsenhagen. The station says it cannot be reached by public transport, so arrange a lift or taxi if needed. Roadside parking is listed.
Keep the animals comfortable
Stay with your guide and observe quietly. Do not feed or touch animals, tap on enclosures or enter care areas. Ask before taking photographs.
Book the right children’s session
Register for an Aktionstag at least a week ahead and wait for the email confirmation. Read the booking conditions, including the photography-consent provision.
Pack for outdoor time
Wear sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing. Bring drinks and any picnic food; reserve the pavilion separately rather than assuming it is available after a public tour.
Discuss access beforehand
Ask about walking distance, surfaces, steps and toilet access if anyone needs a shorter or step-free visit. A one-hour tour does not itself tell you how easy the ground is.
Check the tour language
German is the listed language. Ask ahead if your family needs an English-language explanation, and confirm the current tour notice before making a special journey.
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
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Take the discovery with you
Identify the wildlife you spot, learn as you go, and keep a collection of the adventure.
