Marcel Stawinoga recognized as top zoo influencer amid lion breeding debate

Marcel Stawinoga, communications manager and species conservation coordinator at Dortmund Zoo, has been named to the ‘Power 10’ list of the blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List 2026. Selected by an international jury in collaboration with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Stawinoga is the only German recipient of this honor, recognized for his social media presence as ‘Der Zoolotse’ and his work in biodiversity and science communication.

His recognition comes alongside ongoing public debate regarding the recent birth of 12 lion cubs at Dortmund Zoo. The cubs were sired by Boeti, a male representing a mix of two subspecies. Stawinoga has addressed criticisms regarding whether the breeding serves conservation purposes, noting that while the decision was driven by the social needs of the lion pride, the connection to international species conservation is ‘a bit constructed’ rather than a direct contribution to a formal European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) reintroduction goal.

The zoo is currently determining the future of the cubs based on their sex, with the possibility of maintaining a male-only group in Dortmund if suitable placements for females can be found.