German Zoo Support Association convenes 22nd annual meeting in Stuttgart

From July 17 to 19, 2026, the Gemeinschaft der Zooförderer e.V. (German Zoo Support Association) held its 22nd annual meeting in Stuttgart. Organized by the Wilhelma friends, the three‑day event gathered more than 100 delegates from 36 zoo‑support societies across Germany and other European cities such as Basel, Salzburg, Rotterdam and Tenerife. The programme featured an opening "Ice Breaker" at the Wilhelma's Amazonica restaurant, a member assembly that adopted a new contribution scheme to secure long‑term funding for conservation work, and a series of expert talks on global species protection, collaboration with the IUCN, and the role of modern zoos in breeding and habitat projects.

Key highlights included the presentation by Wilhelma director Dr. Thomas Kölpin on the zoo’s ongoing and planned conservation initiatives, notably the construction of a new Elephant World exhibit. The Action of the Year award was presented to the Kleve zoo for its innovative kangaroo‑enclosure project. Participants also toured the Rosensteinpark to see local biodiversity projects. The Wildparkfreunde Schweinfurt attended, represented by chairman Florian Dittert, deputy chairman Maurice Breitkopf and treasurer Torsten Ott.