Tier- und Kulturpark Bischofswerda

Choose the bear, one owl and the alpacas. At each stop, let everyone name an observed movement, sound or resting position. Use the audioguide for context, then compare notes over your picnic.

Book one of the operator’s approximately one-hour alpaca walks if you want a longer outing. Options include the old brickworks and the Bürgerteiche. These walks use a mixture of town streets and field or woodland paths; ask which outing suits your group and mobility needs.

Choose a few favourite enclosures and bring waterproofs. Ask whether the café is open before counting on a sheltered break. For a pre-booked guided or educational activity, check the bad-weather plan with the team.

If a bear is visible, follow what it does with its paws and nose. A later second look is worthwhile if it is initially out of sight.

Look for still shapes before searching for movement. Compare the lynx’s outline with the bear’s; stay behind the barrier even for a better photograph.

Read the little-owl sign together and connect this bird with the park’s breeding work for the Harz reintroduction project. The birds on display here are captive.

Compare its size, colour and posture with the little owl. Let a resting bird stay restful; never knock or call to make it move.

Look for the Steppenfuchs sign. If the fox is visible, sketch its ears and body outline, then compare it with the lynx.

Follow one raccoon quietly if you can. Notice how it explores its enclosure, and compare those movements with the bear’s.

Watch the alpacas during an ordinary zoo visit. To spend longer with them, arrange a separate guided walk before travelling.

Meet the park’s dwarf domestic goats in the contact enclosure. Follow staff instructions, give animals room to move away and wash hands before your picnic.

These are captive zoo animals. An enclosure on the plan does not promise that its residents will be visible during your visit.

The park also participates in a European conservation breeding programme for Ecuador amazons. A new pair was brought together in 2018 and bred successfully the following year.

The zoo plan identifies a playground, tactile path, Bärencafé and toilets; picnic benches are available too. Bring food as a backup outside café hours.