More Space for Animals - Why the 'Elephant World' is Getting More Expensive - Wilhelma Zoo breaks ground on €68.5M Elephant World for endangered Asian elephants

Stuttgart's Wilhelma Zoo has begun work on its largest-ever construction project: a new elephant enclosure called Elephant World. The facility will cost an estimated €68.5 million and is set to open by early 2030. Designed to modern zoological standards, it will house up to 15 adult elephants—far more than the two currently living at the zoo. News of this expansion has drawn significant attention, as elephants have been a key attraction at Wilhelma since 1952, serving as one of the zoo's emblematic species. The new enclosure will cover roughly two hectares, with 1.5 hectares of usable space—ten times the area the elephants have now. This expansion aims to support a growing herd while improving living conditions. The project faced delays due to the energy crisis, pushing back its original timeline. Funding includes €15 million from the Friends and Supporters of Wilhelma association, covering part of the total €68.5 million cost. No architecture firm has been publicly linked to the design, despite searches revealing other zoo projects across Germany and Europe. Asian elephants, classified as endangered in the wild, rely increasingly on zoo populations for conservation. The new facility will contribute to these efforts by providing a larger, more natural environment for breeding and research. Once completed, Elephant World will become a major feature of Wilhelma Zoo, offering visitors a modern, spacious habitat for one of its most popular animals. The project also strengthens the zoo's role in conservation, ensuring a stable reserve population for an endangered species. Construction is now underway, with completion expected by early 2030.