With more than 200,000 visitors a year, more than 1,700 animals of 160 species are the largest zoo in Saarland. The zoo specializes in African animals.
In 1870, the current zoo land was used as a quarry, and until 1926 it was suspended. 1956 Work began on rebuilding the zoo in a new location, consisting of 15 hectares (37.1 acres) at the foot of the Ischberg hill.
In February 1995, elephant Danka killed elephants head Oy Roth by placing him on a wall. A year later, in March 2006, the elephants were sold to the Alexandria Zoo in Egypt where the two cats died on the same day a month later.
During the end of 2005, the northern gate closed the zoo, and some parts of the zoo were redesigned for the residential building. Václav Česká, the long-term director, has been removed from office and plans are popular with the public in Saarbrucken.
Since 2008, many improvements have been made, including renewal of attachments and liaison with funding sponsors.
