Wild Love Stories

The indoor discovery experience “Wild Love Stories” is based on the successful children's book “The Love Lives of Animals.” Across three rooms, it presents the astonishing diversity of relationships, family structures, and reproductive strategies in the animal kingdom in a colourful, humorous, and surprising way.

For everyone: families with children of all ages, as well as teenagers or adults without children.

Some content is recommended for visitors aged 8 and up. These sections are clearly marked and never appear without prior notice. Much of the experience can also be enjoyed with younger children. Parents can always decide for themselves which content they would like to explore with their children. And visitors without children will discover a surprisingly humorous, smart, and rather wild side of nature.

The discovery experience is based on the widely acclaimed non-fiction children's book The Love Lives of Animals, which has been praised for its intelligent, humorous, and age-appropriate approach to sexuality education. At the zoo, the book comes to life as an immersive experience, featuring both hands-on and digital activities that spark curiosity and encourage learning in a playful, engaging way. The exhibition is seamlessly integrated into the natural, animal-focused setting of the Görlitz Zoo.

Throughout the discovery experience, only child-friendly, simplified illustrations are used. There are no real photographs or videos of any kind. Illustrations depicting animal genitalia or mating animals can only be found in the Mating Discovery Room. This area is clearly signposted, includes age recommendations, and features elements placed at appropriate viewing heights. Parents remain free at all times to decide which parts of the experience they would like to explore together with their children.

The love lives of animals are not always romantic. Some stories involve conflict, aggression, or other challenging aspects of life in the animal kingdom. These topics are also addressed within the discovery experience, however, they are presented exclusively through child-friendly, humorous illustrations and never through real photographs or videos. More sensitive content is clearly marked with appropriate notices and, where necessary, placed at viewing heights intended for adults only. Visitors can therefore make an informed and conscious choice about whether or not they wish to view these elements.

Yes - although you would be missing out on a unique experience. The discovery experience is housed in three separate rooms, which you only enter if you choose to do so. Elsewhere in the zoo, you may encounter a few informational signs featuring fascinating animal stories, but participation in Wild Love Stories is entirely optional. You can still enjoy the familiar, nature-focused zoo experience throughout the Görlitz Zoo.

No. The discovery experience only focuses on the diverse love lives of animals. It explores topics such as courtship, mating, offspring, and the many different forms of relationships found throughout the animal kingdom. By looking at these subjects through the lens of animal behavior, the experience can—if visitors choose—offer an open and relaxed introduction to the topic of reproduction while sparking curiosity about biological processes and connections. However, it does not extend into sex education about human sexuality.

Yes. Children may have questions during or after their visit—and that is a positive part of the experience. The book The Love Lives of Animals is available for purchase at the ticket desk and offers helpful information and conversation prompts to support discussions during or after the tour.

Wild Love Stories is science with a wink.

The love lives of animals are a topic that fascinates people of all ages. Children ask curious questions about it, and so do adults. Wild Love Stories builds on that natural curiosity, answering questions about relationships, families, and reproduction in the animal kingdom in a way that is scientifically accurate, engaging, and easy to understand.

Visitors discover the remarkable diversity of animal partnerships, family structures, and reproductive strategies. The experience is designed to surprise, entertain, and inspire a sense of wonder.

At the same time, the Görlitz Zoo pursues a broader mission. The love lives of animals serve as a gateway to a deeper appreciation of the Earth's biological diversity. By learning about the fascinating strategies animals have evolved, visitors gain a greater understanding and respect for the richness of life on our planet.

We are more likely to protect what we value. In this way, Wild Love Stories provides an accessible and emotionally engaging introduction to the topics of biodiversity and species conservation.

The love lives of animals are an ideal gateway topic for reaching a wide audience with nature and species conservation issues.

The different reproductive, family, and survival strategies of animals are expressions of biological diversity. This diversity is what makes nature so fascinating—and at the same time so worthy of protection.

Wild Love Stories therefore not only presents engaging stories from the animal kingdom, but also highlights the challenges many species face today, such as habitat loss, climate change, and the decline of biodiversity.

By understanding how unique animals live and reproduce, visitors also come to understand why their protection matters. The exhibition aims to transform curiosity into appreciation, and appreciation into engagement for biodiversity and conservation.