Offenbach Forest Zoo

Things are rustic at the Offenbach forest zoo. Goats roam freely on the unpaved paths and are happy to receive the food that children's hands hold out to them. Food bags are available at the entrance for 50 cents. Predominantly "domestic animals" can be seen in the Offenbach Forest Zoo: Scottish Highland cattle with shaggy coats and respect-inspiring horns, rabbits and sheep, goats and the two new domestic pigs Lucy and Rosy. Unfortunately, domestic pig "Babe", pot-bellied pig Mr. Schröder and donkey Gonzo died last year.

There are also ponies: Shetland ponies in the usual small and particularly small versions - the so-called mini Shettys. The cute raccoons are also very popular.

There are also some exotic animals among the zoo's 200 or so inhabitants: chipmunks, kangaroos and tortoises. Among the zoo's feathered inhabitants are cockatiels, parrots and cockatoos. Many of the animals were given away because they had become a nuisance to their owners, says Susanne Wollensack. Some also came from other zoos or from farms that had been broken up.

The zoo was founded in 1965 by a forester. He took in injured animals. Over time, the population grew to such an extent that he built enclosures. Susanne Wollensack is supported by Jasmin Zimmermann, who was hired as deputy director. There are also volunteers and trainees. Out of love for the animals, some of the young visitors occasionally help to clean the enclosures.

Making ends meet financially is not that easy. In summer, the number of visitors rises to up to 1500 per week in good weather. But when it rains or during the winter months, there is usually a lull. The city of Offenbach pays a subsidy towards the feed costs. However, repairs to the enclosures are also constantly needed. Without donations in cash and in kind, this is almost impossible to manage financially. Raffles are an additional source of income.

If you would like to support the forest zoo, you can sponsor one of the animals. This costs 120 euros a year. Sponsors have free admission. "We make sure that one animal can have several sponsors," explains Susanne Wollensack. This way, no child has to worry that their favorite animal might already be taken. Because, as has been shown repeatedly, this can easily turn into a drama.