World Cat Day

World Cat Day is celebrated annually on 8 August and was originally intended to draw attention to issues surrounding the keeping and treatment of domestic cats. Nowadays, however, this day is also used to raise awareness of the precarious situation facing the larger relatives of our beloved house cats.

Lions, cheetahs, snow leopards and jaguars in particular – which are listed as endangered or vulnerable on the IUCN Red List – require intensive conservation measures. For this reason, we at the zoo would like to dedicate this day to the big and small cats living here. They represent their wild counterparts, which are threatened by habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. To ensure that we can continue to admire the beauty of these animals in the wild in the future, species conservation is playing an increasingly important role.

To mark World Cat Day, various animal encounters and guided ‘enrichment’ sessions will take place the following day, on 9 August 2026, designed to challenge and stimulate the animals’ instincts and senses. For visitors, this is also a perfect opportunity to learn more about these majestic animals, as well as some key facts about threats to their survival and species conservation. 

What to expect:

• Fascinating facts about big and small cats
• Presentation of themed animal exhibits
• Feeding sessions with commentary

Itinerary:

Information stand:

10am – 11.30am – Opposite the snow leopard enclosure
12pm – 1.30pm – Opposite the cheetah enclosure

Commentated feedings
10am – Jaguar
11.30am – Snow leopard
1.30pm – Cheetah

No registration required!

Further event details:

• Starts at 10.00 am at the Jaguar enclosure
• Information stand will be open regardless of weather conditions
• Programme language: German

➤ Subject to change without notice.

Pearls of wisdom:

• • Which flavour can’t cats taste?
    
  • Why are most cats solitary?
    
  • Which of our big cats is most similar to the domestic cat?