Tierpark Weißwasser

Ask for the owls first, then choose either the donkeys or the camels. Add a playground stop if energy allows. Finish with the enclosure the children enjoyed most rather than adding several new ones.

Begin with the owls and a patient look for the lynx. Pause for a drink and playtime, then visit the macaws and choose among the deer, donkeys, camels and meerkats. Save the final part of the visit for a second look at a favourite.

Give everyone a small sheet of paper. Watch an owl quietly, draw its outline, then add three details you noticed. Compare the drawings after you have moved away from the aviary.

Choose a donkey, deer or meerkat. Take turns watching for one minute, then describe only what actually happened: looking around, walking, eating or resting. Your accounts may be different even at the same enclosure.

For persistent rain, the Glasmuseum in Villa Gelsdorf, Forster Straße 12, offers an indoor look at Lausitz glass and Weißwasser’s industrial story. Children can explore with a museum rally. Check opening times separately, bring cash and note that the house is not barrier-free.

Look carefully before lifting your camera. Pick one bird and watch its gaze, then try a quick sketch of its outline. A still owl can be as interesting as a moving one.

Scan the enclosure slowly from the public viewing area. If the lynx is visible, compare the shape of its ears and tail with a familiar pet cat. Return later if it stays out of view.

Try drawing the bird with just two colours, then look again for details you missed. Watch how it changes position rather than calling to attract its attention.

Choose one deer and describe its coat without using the word brown. Compare it with another animal if both are visible, and use the enclosure sign to learn more.

Watch one donkey’s ears for a short while and notice when they change direction. Keep fingers away from the barrier and let the animal decide whether to come closer.

Find a viewpoint that lets you see the whole animal, including its feet. Sketch its outline, then compare the proportions with the donkeys. These are domestic two-humped camels, not wild camels.

Pick one visible meerkat and follow what it does for a minute. Does it keep doing the same thing? Compare your observations with someone watching a different animal.

All animals listed here are in zoo care. An individual animal may be resting, indoors or temporarily out of view.

Owls are a particular focus at Weißwasser. Make them the link between your stops: compare the birds you can see and read their signs for differences in where they live and what they eat.

The park marked its 60th anniversary in 2026. Its family festivals are part of that local history; check current dates if you would like your visit to coincide with one.

In spring and summer, spread the visit around pauses for drinks and play. In the colder months, begin earlier and make a shorter list of favourite animals. Bring clothing that is comfortable for standing still outdoors.

Check current connections via Weißwasser railway station and the Nordweg bus stop. Allow for the final walk and check your return connection before entering the park.

Discuss your particular needs with the park on 03576 208366. Useful questions include path surfaces after rain, steps or narrow entrances at walk-through enclosures, the nearest suitable toilet and a manageable selection of animal stops.