Tierpark Nordhorn opens historic barn featuring invasive raccoons

Tierpark Nordhorn has officially completed the opening of the historic Heckmann Barn, introducing ten raccoons as its newest residents. The facility is designed to serve as an educational hub regarding invasive species.

Originally from North America, raccoons have been listed by the European Union as an invasive alien species since 2016 due to their ability to damage local habitats and native wildlife. The zoo aims to use the enclosure to foster understanding of these conservation challenges while preserving regional history.

The 150-year-old barn was relocated from the Bookholt district and reconstructed in the park's Vechtehof area with support from the EU's LEADER program. The project received additional funding from the Bingo Environmental Foundation Lower Saxony and the zoo's support association to facilitate environmental education and historical preservation.