Are all the animals here part of the zoo collection?

No. The park distinguishes its managed collection from wild visitors, including grey herons, red squirrels and blue tits. Seeing one of these visitors is a bonus, never guaranteed.

Is this a good rainy-day visit?

Most of the outing is outdoors, and wet paths may be harder to use. For a very wet day, the park’s Kids webpage has animal colouring activities to enjoy at home.

Illustration

ZooBrandenburg, Germany

Tierpark Herzberg

Come to Tierpark Herzberg for an easy-going animal walk through an old estate park.

Official website

About

Come to Tierpark Herzberg for an easy-going animal walk through an old estate park. Start with the white-handed gibbons, whose enclosure was enlarged in 2026, then take your time between the animal exhibits and ponds. The mature trees and neighbouring Schloss Grochwitz give the visit a pleasantly different setting from a large city zoo.

There is a serious conservation story here, too. The park works with EuroNerz to raise European mink for later release elsewhere. Their enclosure can be empty after the animals leave, so treat this as a chance to learn about the project rather than a promised sighting. Meanwhile, squirrels and birds visiting the grounds are genuinely wild; they come and go independently of the zoo collection. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

The park grew from a local resident’s animal enclosure in the early 1970s, which was moved to land in Grochwitzer Park after complaints from neighbours. Townspeople and businesses helped expand the collection. In 1992, a citizens’ initiative sought to restore the former estate’s landscape-park character, while Zoo Hoyerswerda contributed expertise and animals. Herzberg celebrated the park’s fiftieth anniversary in 2026.

What to do here

Watch how the gibbons use their enlarged climbing space, then compare very different ways of moving at the shared Bennett’s wallaby and emu enclosure. Can the children describe the difference between a hop and a stride? At the camels, look for two humps and, if an animal walks, the legs on the same side moving together.

Save a quiet stop for the meerkats and a slow look across the ponds for wild visitors. The enclosure signs introduce the animals; some also have QR codes for more detail. Make a simple family challenge: choose one animal to draw, one movement to describe and one question to answer from a sign. Stay on the park paths throughout.

Seasonal info

In spring, the Bactrian camels shed their thick winter coats and may look distinctly shaggy. In colder months, arrive with enough daylight for the outdoor paths. Follow any posted oak-processionary-moth warnings; keep children away from caterpillars and nests.

Accessibility

The entrance is step-free. Paths through the natural park can be damp or uneven and harder to negotiate with wheelchairs, walking frames or pushchairs, especially after rain. Toilets are beside the meerkat enclosure: ordinary toilets cost €0.50, while the accessible toilet requires a Euro-WC key. Ask the park about current path conditions if these will determine your visit.

Don't miss

Gibbons in motion

The enlarged 2026 enclosure has panoramic glass for watching the white-handed gibbons.

Australian neighbours

Bennett’s wallabies and emus share an enclosure, making a good stop for comparing movement.

Mink conservation

European mink are raised in cooperation with EuroNerz for release elsewhere; the enclosure is occupied seasonally.

Ponds and old trees

Look for visiting grey herons, blue tits and squirrels as well as the park’s captive animals.

Wildlife and habitats

Spend a minute watching the group rather than trying to photograph every animal. In sunshine, look for the meerkats enjoying the warmth.

Compare the deer’s coat colours. This species can be reddish-brown, black or white; males grow broad, flattened antlers.

Look at the emu’s powerful feet and compare its stride with the wallabies’ movement. Listen quietly for the deep, booming call.

Count the two humps, then watch the legs if a camel walks: the front and back leg on the same side move together.

Pause to study the plumage and read the sign. Mandarin ducks often nest in tree cavities, a surprising fact to discuss beside their water.

Scan trunks and branches from the paths. A squirrel may appear briefly as it climbs or leaps; give it room to carry on.

Look patiently for a small bird moving through the trees. Use binoculars or your camera’s zoom rather than following it off the path.

Check the shallow pond margins for an occasional visiting grey heron. Watch from the path and let the bird choose its distance.

Sources and useful links

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Meerkat

Fallow Deer

Emu

Red Squirrel

Eurasian Blue Tit

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrival

Use An den Teichen 17a, 04916 Herzberg (Elster), in Grochwitz. By public transport, plan the final leg from Herzberg (Elster) station and the return journey with VBB.

Entry and dogs

Admission is free. Dogs are not admitted, and children under ten must be accompanied by an adult.

Feeding rules

Never offer food you have brought. Any permitted feeding must use the park’s dispensers and follow the instructions on site; do not feed wild visitors.

Food stop

Zwiebels Grillhütte is beside the entrance. Check its own opening hours before making it your lunch plan.

Group visits

Arrange tours or educational activities with the park in advance. They depend on staffing and availability.

Frequently asked questions

: No. The park distinguishes its managed collection from wild visitors, including grey herons, red squirrels and blue tits. Seeing one of these visitors is a bonus, never guaranteed.
: Most of the outing is outdoors, and wet paths may be harder to use. For a very wet day, the park’s Kids webpage has animal colouring activities to enjoy at home.