Annual report 2023

The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation's 2023 annual report offers exciting insights behind the scenes. It shows how the first year of operation of the new emergency care station for bats at Langenberg Zoo went and the measures the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation is taking to promote biodiversity in Sihlwald and Langenberg Zoo. These efforts are paying off, for example with the construction of reptile castles along the Sihl.

More sand lizards observed

Monitoring of sand lizards in the Sihlwald forest published in 2023 shows Compared to an inventory in 2020, the number of sand lizard sightings has increased significantly. This is encouraging, as the sand lizard population in Switzerland is classified as vulnerable. In keeping with the theme, the Nature Museum of the Zurich Wilderness Park in Sihlwald is currently showing the special exhibition "Sand lizard. Everything alright?".

Zurich Wilderness Park is a popular excursion destination

In a representative survey, the Zurich Wilderness Park received high marks from its guests. The park enjoys a good reputation not only as a popular excursion destination, but also as a nature conservation organization between the urban centers of Zurich and Zug. "As the oldest zoo in Switzerland, Langenberg Zoo has long been known beyond the region. Now the Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park has also become much better known among the population," says Karin Hindenlang Clerc, Managing Director of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, delighted with the results. Around 630,000 visits were recorded in Sihlwald and Langenberg Zoo in 2023.

State-of-the-art technology in use

The ranger team at Sihlwald and the animal care team at Langenberg Zoo are increasingly using cell phones as a work tool. The focus article in the 2023 annual report shows how digital technology and nature and species conservation work closely together.

You can browse through the annual report at wildnispark.ch/annualreport or download it as a PDF. We will also be happy to send you printed copies on request.

Further information

Mirella Wepf, Project Manager Communications
Tel. 044 722 55 24, mirella.wepf@wildnispark.ch

Image material

The ZIP below contains some high-resolution images on the topic. Captions:

• Encouraging: Sightings of sand lizards in the Sihlwald have increased significantly. (Photo: Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, Roland Kuemmerle)
• Popular excursion destination: around 630,000 visits were recorded in Sihlwald and Langenberg Zoo in 2023. (Photo: Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation, Stefan Eichholzer)